IRGC Intelligence Organization Investigates 'Behind-the-Scenes Economic Violations'

Hosseini Taeb, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization, warned without directly referencing the controversial issue of exorbitant salaries that his organization is currently 'monitoring the behind-the-scenes economic violations' in Iran. On Tuesday, July 22, he told the Tasnim news agency that the IRGC Intelligence Organization 'will continue to address major economic corruption cases in the country as in the past' and added that the organization 'currently has serious cases on its agenda.' Taeb also warned 'violators' that 'if they continue their current course, they can be sure they will face decisive and legal action.' These remarks by Taeb mark his first public reaction to the contentious issue of multi-million and hundred-million salaries paid to government and executive managers. However, the news of the IRGC's involvement in this case comes at a time when, despite reports of this issue within the IRGC, no salary slips have been published by this organization of the Islamic Republic, and none of the IRGC officials have taken the initiative in this matter. Recently, the IRGC's public relations officer denied such reports of 'unconventional' salaries for the commanders of this body, stating that 'if it weren't for security constraints, I would definitely publish my own salary slip.' On the same Tuesday, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, the government spokesman, emphasized that the government 'will seriously eradicate the issue of unconventional salaries.' Meanwhile, the head of the country's Inspection Organization reported that among 950 managers whose salaries have been reviewed, they received monthly salaries ranging from three million to 40 million tomans. Nasser Saraj, head of the Inspection Organization, told the state television news network that 'more than 70 percent' of these managers received 'up to 20 million tomans' and '27 percent received between 20 to 30 million tomans.' Saraj specified that 'three percent of these managers received more than 40 million tomans.' The head of the Inspection Organization also reported that he had discussed the dismissed CEO of Bank Refah with President Hassan Rouhani. Saraj explained that, according to the Iranian President, the family of Ali Sedghi, the former CEO of Bank Refah, 'has a debt of 170 billion tomans.' He also reported on violations in Iran Insurance and Damavand Investment Company. In this context, a report from the 'Unconventional Salaries Committee' indicated that dismissed managers have returned excess salaries to the government. The Court of Audit announced the formation of 123 cases regarding unconventional payments. Ansari stated that to cover up massive financial corruption, they are promoting salary slips. Conservative attacks on the 'economic activities' of Jahangiri's brother are also noted.