A network allegedly linking Iranian business figures, political insiders and financial intermediaries has been accused of operating a corruption and influence network spanning Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
According to multiple reports and testimonies, the network centers around Iranian businessman Behrouz Bahmani, whose alleged connections with influential political figures have raised concerns about corruption, money laundering and human trafficking activities tied to luxury real-estate operations in Dubai.
The alleged network is also said to involve controversial public figure Sasha Sobhani and individuals connected to Iranian political and economic elites.
Allegations of Human Trafficking
Reports claim that a recruitment scheme was used to target young women through social media platforms.
Under the pretext of introducing potential partners to Sasha Sobhani, women were allegedly encouraged to submit photographs and videos to online groups. According to sources familiar with the allegations, the collected material was then used to identify and transport women to private gatherings in luxury villas in Dubai.
A key figure in this operation was reportedly Vahid Rashidi, who was arrested in Iran on charges related to trafficking women to Dubai.
Sources claim Rashidi was later released after approximately one year in prison following alleged financial interventions from associates within the network.
Dubai Villas and Alleged Elite Gatherings
The network’s activities are reportedly centered in luxury villas in the Dubai area known as Golf States.
These properties allegedly hosted private gatherings attended by former and current Iranian officials. According to individuals familiar with the allegations, drugs and women were provided during these events, where business and energy-sector deals were discussed.
The network allegedly relied on intermediaries to facilitate these gatherings and maintain relationships with influential figures.
Financial Networks and Money Laundering
Investigators and analysts point to a broader financial infrastructure supporting the network.
One alleged participant is Omid Sharifzadeh, described in reports as an intermediary who helped obtain foreign passports—particularly Dominican citizenship—for wealthy clients seeking international mobility.
Another component of the alleged financial structure involves the exchange company Shelbit, which sources claim was used to move and launder funds tied to oil-related transactions and other illicit financial flows.
The exchange has been linked in reports to fugitive financial operators Siavash Keyvanpour and Mojgan Rahimian.
Oil Smuggling and Political Connections
The network’s financial operations allegedly intersect with Iran’s sanctions-evasion mechanisms.
A figure frequently mentioned in reports is Aria Naghdi, described as a financial intermediary connected to the oil-smuggling sector.
According to reports, Naghdi was sentenced in Dubai to 15 years in prison for money-laundering offenses but was released early after diplomatic pressure from Iranian officials.
Sources claim he served as a financial handler and facilitator for transactions linked to Bahmani’s network.
Political and Security Connections
Analysts note that Bahmani’s reported relationship with Iranian political insiders may explain the network’s resilience.
Some reports suggest ties between Bahmani and Ahmad Vahid Dastjerdi, an Iranian military-linked figure associated with the country’s security establishment.
Such connections, if confirmed, could provide access to state-linked economic projects and energy-sector contracts.
A Network Built on Contradictions
Critics say the allegations illustrate a stark contradiction between the public rhetoric of moral governance in Iran and the private lifestyles of some individuals linked to political elites.
While members of the network have publicly associated themselves with religious activities—including charitable construction projects abroad—critics argue that the alleged activities in Dubai paint a very different picture.
Luxury properties, private parties, drug distribution and financial laundering operations are all part of the accusations currently circulating among journalists and analysts tracking Iranian financial networks abroad
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