REZA ZARRAB'S PARTNER IN ILLEGAL OIL SALES CAN AVOID EXECUTION IF HE PAYS $2.7bn TO IRAN

Babak Zanjani

What passes for justice in Iran is brutal, and often lethal. Babak Zanjani, who was the partner of indicted Iran oil sanctions evader, Reza Zarrab, has been sentenced to death, for billions of dollars, in oil sales, that he diverted for his own personal use, and which should have been paid to the Islamic Republic of Iran. His sentence was affirmed by the Supreme Court of Iran, in December.

Zanjani can avoid execution, by paying Iran what is asserted that he defrauded it of, the sum of two billion, seven hundred million dollars ($2.7bn). Unfortunately, some or all of those funds are believed to be in accounts, located outside Iran, and under the control of Reza Zarrab, who is himself in custody in New York, and fighting sanctions evasion charges that could result on a 75-year sentence. No wonder Iran wants Zarrab extradited; Some sources claim he has as much as $13bn.

Reza Zarrab

Will Zanjani find a way out of his dilemma, before the executioner schedules him to face the firing squad, or be hanged ? We cannot say, but we will be watching, and will report back on all future developments.