Key Findings
- BBC investigation reveals a global property empire worth hundreds of millions linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader’s family.
- Funds allegedly taken from the Iranian people used to build a network of offshore companies and luxury real estate.
- Focus on heir apparent Mojtaba Khamenei’s involvement in secretive acquisitions in London and Dubai.
- Money trail leads to EIKO, a foundation under the Supreme Leader’s direct control, meant for the poor but allegedly used for family enrichment.
Secret Global Property Network Uncovered
A BBC investigation has exposed a vast, secretive property empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, directly linked to the family of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The network, built using funds allegedly taken from the Iranian people, spans the UK and the UAE through a complex web of offshore companies.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s Luxury Holdings
The probe focuses on the Supreme Leader’s powerful second son, Mojtaba Khamenei, a key political figure and potential successor. Documents reveal his involvement in a business network that acquired multi-million pound luxury properties in London.
This includes a £12 million house in Holland Park and a £4.5 million flat in Knightsbridge.
Billions in Dubai and the Offshore Web
Beyond the UK, the network holds a vast land bank in Dubai estimated to be worth billions. The BBC traced the money flow through numerous British Virgin Islands companies back to the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO).
EIKO is a foundation under the direct control of the Supreme Leader, originally set up with properties confiscated after the 1979 revolution to help the poor. The investigation alleges it has been used to enrich the Khamenei family and consolidate power, seizing thousands of properties from minorities, dissidents, and exiles within Iran.
The Heir Apparent’s Influence
Mojtaba Khamenei, though never holding public office, wields immense influence as a link between his father, the Revolutionary Guards, and the Basij militia. Corporate records show his representatives as directors and shareholders in the offshore property empire’s companies.
UK Response and Sanctions
Responding to the findings, a UK government spokesperson stated they are “absolutely clear that we will not tolerate illicit activity in the UK.” The Foreign Office highlighted existing sanctions on over 400 Iranian individuals and entities, including the entire IRGC. EIKO and its chairman have been under UK sanctions since 2022.
The Iranian mission to the UN did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment.
