Zangeneh: The Execution of Babak Zanjani Will Erase the Black Box of the Case

Bijan Namdar Zangeneh emphasized that Babak Zanjani has not paid any of his debts, stating that the ministry does not wish for his execution because it would result in the loss of the 'black box' of his case. In an interview with ISNA published on Tuesday, July 7, he said, 'The judiciary is doing its job in this regard. However, we do not want him to be executed, as Zanjani is currently like a black box that will be lost with his execution.' Previously, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, and officials from his administration opposed Zanjani's execution, with Mostafa Pourmohammadi, the Minister of Justice, stating that 'executing Zanjani will not bring back money.' In this context, Mohammad Bagheri Benab, a representative in the ninth parliament, said on Tuesday, May 28, in a public session that 'the execution of Babak Zanjani will erase the black box of corruption worth several thousand billion.' Earlier, Hossein Dehdashti, the head of the committee investigating Babak Zanjani's case in the ninth parliament, stated that with Zanjani's execution, 'influential individuals' and 'the hands behind the scenes' in this case will be 'forgotten.' Mir Abbas Soltani, a member of the committee, had previously accused several high-ranking officials from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration, including the Minister of Intelligence, Minister of Economy, and the Central Bank Governor, of being involved in Zanjani's case. Babak Zanjani and two other defendants in the oil case have been recognized by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court as 'corrupt on earth' and sentenced to execution, restitution of property, and monetary fines, with their case sent to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Minister of Oil emphasized that Babak Zanjani has not paid 'any' of his debts, and selling his assets has 'many problems.' According to Zangeneh, Zanjani's assets are valued at 2 trillion tomans, while his debts amount to 10 trillion tomans. He added, 'He still says he will pay his debts tomorrow or the day after. However, with the assets we have received, there is no amount that will benefit the Ministry of Oil.' Abbas Jafari Dolat Abadi, the Tehran prosecutor, announced on Tuesday, June 11, that in 10 major economic cases, 6,350 billion tomans, including about 2 trillion tomans from Zanjani's assets, have been transferred to the government through 'power of attorney.' However, Gholamreza Mahdavi, the lawyer for the National Iranian Oil Company, stated in Esfand 1394 that not all of Zanjani's assets are profitable, and some of his companies are 'indebted to banks, and this debt is increasing day by day.' In recent weeks, discussions have arisen regarding the possibility of Babak Zanjani's release if a bail of 10 trillion tomans is provided. Rasoul Kouhpayehzadeh, Zanjani's lawyer, announced that foreign partners have expressed 'readiness' to provide bail for his client in rials. However, Gholamhossin Mohseni Ejei, the spokesperson for the judiciary, stated that he has 'not yet been able' to provide 'appropriate' bail, meaning bail worth 'at least' 10 trillion tomans.