UK Sanctions Iran-Linked Zindashti Network for Hostile Activities
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on twelve individuals and entities linked to Iran’s Zindashti criminal network, accusing them of facilitating hostile activities, including attack plots and illicit finance operations. The measures, involving asset freezes and travel bans, target key figures like Naji Sharifi Zindashti and exchange houses accused of laundering funds for destabilizing actions against the UK and allies. This escalation follows recent arson attacks in London and heightened security concerns, prompting the UK to raise its national terrorism threat level to "severe" amid broader efforts to counter Iranian state-sponsored proxy threats.
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UK Sanctions Azerbaijani Crime Boss's Brother for Alleged Iran-Backed Plots
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on Namiq Salifov, the brother of the late Azerbaijani crime boss Nadir Salifov, accusing him of plotting attacks on behalf of the Iranian government. The sanctions, announced by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, target individuals threatening UK security and Middle East stability. OCCRP reporters confirmed Salifov’s identity using newly released personal details from the UK Foreign Office. While British officials did not provide specific evidence, US authorities have previously linked Salifov to a Russian mob faction involved in an Iran-backed murder-for-hire plot against journalist Masih Alinejad in New York. Two of Salifov’s associates were recently sentenced to 25 years in prison for this failed attempt. The sanctions occur amid rising tensions and speculation about Tehran-backed operations in Europe. The package also targeted the Zindashti criminal network and members of the Zarringhalam family, further highlighting international efforts to disrupt illicit finance and criminal proxies supported by the Iranian regime.
OCCRPUK Sanctions Iranian Entities and Individuals for Using Criminal Proxies
The United Kingdom has imposed new sanctions on several organizations and individuals accused of facilitating hostile Iranian activities through the use of criminal proxies on British soil. Announced by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), these measures target illicit finance networks that enable the Iranian regime to pursue destabilizing actions in West Asia, including threats to global navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and military strikes against UK Gulf allies. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that criminal proxies threatening security in the UK and Europe will not be tolerated. The sanctioned entities include Berelian Exchange, GCM Exchange, and the Zindashti Network, while individuals such as Mansour Zarringhalam and Nasser Zarringhalam face travel bans and asset freezes. This action aligns with European Union efforts and adds to over 550 previous sanctions against Iranian actors, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The UK government continues to advocate for a diplomatic solution to restore stability and freedom of navigation in the Middle East.
Economic TimesUK Sanctions Iranian-Linked Network Accused of Plotting Attacks
The British government has imposed strict sanctions on an Iranian-linked network accused of plotting attacks in the United Kingdom and destabilizing Britain and its allies. The Foreign Office issued travel bans, asset freezes, and director disqualification orders against nine individuals and three entities connected to hostile activities backed by Iran. Key targets include alleged members of the Zindashti criminal network, led by Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, who was previously sanctioned by the UK and US in 2024 for leading an international drug and trafficking cartel directed by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. The network is accused of assassination and kidnapping operations targeting critics of the Iranian regime. Additionally, five members of the Zarringhalam family were sanctioned for allegedly financing these efforts through a shadow banking network that laundered billions of dollars via front companies in the UAE and Hong Kong. Two exchange houses, Berelian Exchange and GCM Exchange, were also designated. Other sanctioned individuals include nationals from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran. These measures follow earlier sanctions against Iran’s security apparatus for suppressing pro-reform protests, marking an escalation in London’s diplomatic pressure on Tehran.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraUK Sanctions 12 Iran-Linked Individuals and Entities for Hostile Activities
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on twelve individuals and entities linked to Iran, accusing them of involvement in hostile activities targeting the UK and other nations. The Foreign Office announced travel bans and asset freezes against nine people, two shadow banking exchange houses, and the Zindashti network. This network, allegedly led by Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, is described as an international drug and trafficking cartel connected to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security. The EU and US have previously sanctioned key figures within this group for assassination plots, kidnapping, and money laundering. Among those sanctioned are Ekrem Abdulkerym Oztunc, five members of the Zarringhalam family accused of financing destabilization efforts, and executives from Berelian and GCM Exchanges. These measures follow recent attacks on religious communities in Britain and official warnings about state-sponsored proxy threats. The UK government aims to disrupt financial channels used to support these illicit operations, aligning its actions with previous sanctions imposed by Washington and Brussels against Iranian-backed networks involved in transnational crime and political repression.
The New ArabUK Imposes Sanctions on Iran-Linked Zindashti Network and Entities
The British government has announced new sanctions against twelve individuals and entities linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Zindashti criminal network. The UK Foreign Office stated these measures respond to Iranian-backed hostile activities, including destabilizing attacks and threats to security in Britain and globally. Sanctioned parties include members of the Zindashti network, such as Naji Sharifi Zindashti, and financial entities like Berlian Exchange and GCM Exchange, accused of facilitating illicit funding. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss emphasized that criminal proxy forces threatening UK and European security would not be tolerated. The sanctions involve asset freezes, travel bans, and business restrictions. This action follows recent investigations into arson attacks on Jewish targets in London and rising concerns over Iran's role in inciting division. The UK has now sanctioned over 550 individuals and entities connected to Iran, with over 90 listed for human rights violations. The move aligns with broader European coordination to counter illegal financial networks and restore stability in the Middle East, while maintaining commitment to diplomatic solutions.
ایران اینترنشنالUK Sanctions Iran-Linked Network Over Attack Plots and Finance Ops
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on twelve individuals and entities linked to Iran, accusing them of involvement in hostile activities aimed at destabilizing the UK and other nations. The British government identified the targets as part of the Zindashti criminal network, including alleged members, associates, exchange houses, and financial operators. These sanctions are a response to plots involving threats, planning, or execution of attacks against people and assets in Britain and abroad, as well as the provision of financial services that facilitate such operations. The measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and director disqualification orders. This action follows recent investigations into arson attacks on Jewish targets in London, which raised concerns about Iranian state-sponsored hostility. Consequently, the UK elevated its national terrorism threat level to "severe," reflecting heightened risks from foreign state-linked activities. While Iran has consistently denied involvement in such plots, the UK asserts that these financial networks enabled the movement of funds despite international restrictions, supporting groups seeking to undermine security.
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