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UK Sanctions Iranian-Linked Network Over Attack Plots
The British government on Monday sanctioned nine individuals and three entities tied to the Zindashti criminal network for alleged involvement in Iranian-backed hostile activity, including plotting attacks in Britain. The measures include asset freezes, travel bans and director disqualification orders. Iran has denied involvement in such attacks.
May 11, 2:25 PM·3m read3 sources
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The British government imposed sanctions on an Iranian-linked network on Monday, freezing assets, banning travel and issuing director disqualification orders against nine people and three entities accused of plotting attacks in the UK and elsewhere.
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The Foreign Office targeted alleged members and associates of the Zindashti criminal network, which authorities have linked to Iranian-backed hostile activity. The network is accused of threatening, planning or conducting attacks against people and assets in Britain and beyond, as well as financing efforts to destabilise the country and its allies.
Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, described as the network’s leader, was among those sanctioned. British, American and European authorities have previously accused him of heading an international drug and trafficking cartel directed by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
Five members of the Zarringhalam family were also targeted for allegedly helping finance destabilisation efforts. Three members of the family were sanctioned by the United States last year for their alleged role in Iran’s shadow banking network, which Washington said laundered billions of dollars through front companies in the UAE and Hong Kong.
Two exchange houses linked to the network, Berelian Exchange and GCM Exchange, were designated in the latest action. Officials said the sanctions will prevent the network from accessing and moving funds in the face of international restrictions. Additional individuals sanctioned include Turkish national Ekrem Oztunc, Azerbaijani national Namiq Salifov and Iranian national Nihat Abdul Kadir Asan.
All are accused of threatening, planning or conducting attacks in the UK or elsewhere.
