US Files Charges Against Two Iranian Traders for Violating Sanctions

The United States has charged a company and two of its senior managers with violating US sanctions against Iran, conspiracy to harm America, money laundering, identity document theft, and internet fraud. The founder of the company has been arrested.

The Wall Street Journal, an American newspaper, published the news of charges against Seyed Sajad Shahidian and Vahid Vali, two senior managers of the internet financial services company “Payment 24,” on Tuesday, May 19.

These two Iranian traders are accused of violating United States sanctions against the Islamic Republic between 2009 and 2018 through their company.

The company apparently helped Iranian citizens circumvent sanctions.

The Wall Street Journal wrote that “Payment 24” primarily provided Iranian citizens with the ability to purchase software, software licenses, and computer servers.

In this regard, among other things, a “package” was mentioned that included a PayPal account, an IP address from the United Arab Emirates, a gift visa card, and a fake identification card for online purchases in the United States of America.

Prosecutorial Charges

The US federal court in Minnesota has announced charges against Shahidian and Vali for conspiracy to harm America, money laundering, identity document theft, and internet fraud.

It is said that “Payment 24” also has several branches in Iran.

The 33-year-old Shahidian was arrested in Britain and was handed over to the United States on Monday.

According to the Wall Street Journal, he maintains his innocence and his public defender has not commented on the charges against his client.

Vahid Vali, the 33-year-old CEO of “Payment 24,” remains at large, and the American newspaper has been unable to obtain information about him.

Source: DW