Jahangiri: Other Individuals May Enter Babak Zanjani's Case

The First Vice President of Hassan Rouhani stated that it is unclear how $2.7 billion from oil sales came to be in Babak Zanjani's possession, and indicated that other individuals may become involved in this case. According to Fars News Agency, Es'haq Jahangiri mentioned on Saturday, January 27, in a meeting that if the money from oil sales by Babak Zanjani does not return to Iran, it will bring shame to the country. He stated, 'The issue is how this person entered the system, and if it is not clarified, other individuals may enter the case.' Jahangiri continued, 'Although we got involved in this matter from the early days of the eleventh government and this individual was arrested, we have not gained anything so far; it has only been stated that he has authorized the little property he has in the country to be handed over to the Ministry of Oil.' The First Vice President questioned why the private sector was not allowed to sell oil and how suddenly a young man was brought into the oil sales system, stating that to this day, we do not know how $2.7 billion of this country ended up in Babak Zanjani's hands. He also pointed out some special privileges that Babak Zanjani had, asking, 'When can the private sector negotiate for hours with the Central Bank Governor or enter any ministry at any time and pull the minister out of a meeting?' According to Rouhani's deputy, 'It must be clarified who is supporting Babak Zanjani's scheme behind the scenes.' Babak Zanjani was arrested on December 30, 2013, due to accusations such as debts to the Ministry of Oil, the Central Bank, and forgery of documents, and has been in prison ever since. A few months ago, a member of the parliamentary committee following Babak Zanjani's case stated that Zanjani continues his embezzlements 'without any obstacles' from prison. Amir Abbas Soltani, on Sunday, October 6, stated in an interview with the 'Entekhab' website that the arrest of 10 individuals he considered 'agents of Babak Zanjani' indicates that Zanjani has been managing his affairs, embezzlements, and business without any obstacles, and his case has not made significant progress so far.