Feb 18 • 14:24 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

Possible Terror Financing: An Iranian-German Economic Crime

An Iranian banker with ties to the Revolutionary Guard is reported to be involved in potential terrorist financing through his ownership of a property empire in Germany, prompting interest from German intelligence agencies.

The article discusses Ali Aliakbar Ansari, an Iranian banker linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, who owns a vast property empire in Germany, including several Hilton hotels. The German intelligence agencies, including the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), are investigating his financial activities, which are suspected of being linked to terrorist financing. Ansari's real estate assets are valued at around 400 million euros, raising concerns about their legitimacy and source of funding.

According to reports, Ansari is under scrutiny for allegedly financing the activities of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the UK, where he is accused of managing substantial funds that could support militant operations. His involvement in the luxurious hotel business has caused apprehension among partners and stakeholders, as well as attracting the attention of international authorities. There are allegations that he acts as a frontman for the son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, further complicating the layers of his business dealings and connections.

This investigation highlights the broader issue of financial ties between European businesses and individuals with links to sanctioned states, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations and monitoring to prevent misuse of legitimate business structures for illicit purposes. The implications of such findings could lead to increased scrutiny of foreign investments within the European Union, especially concerning security and terrorism financing, as the interconnectedness of global finance poses significant challenges in effectively combating these issues.

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