Mohammad Tabrizian is one of the legends of the International organized crime and clandestine operations. By looking at the surface at first, one would think that his family is an epitome of international links and businesses. But the layers are peeled and one discovers that this is about smuggling of oil, fake investment, and money laundering – all affiliated to terrorism. The United Kingdom has made the necessary and urgent reforms in financial infrastructure and soft-touch regulatory environment that have made it an unwitting actor in Mohammad Tabrizian’s UK network.
The Origins of a Criminal Dynasty

At the core of Mohammad Tabrizian’s UK network lies Ali Sharif AlAskari, a man with dual identities and passports—one Iraqi, the other Iranian. With deep ties to the Iranian regime, Ali Sharif AlAskari’sUK  operations span continents. His family, including his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, plays a pivotal role in perpetuating illicit activities that finance terrorism and destabilize regions.

How Oil Smuggling Fuels the Machine

The Tabrizian-AlAskari network thrives on its sophisticated oil smuggling operation. It begins in Bandar Abbas, a key Iranian port. Here’s how it unfolds:

1. Extraction and Storage: Crude oil is stored in secret facilities managed by Ali Sharif AlAskari and his associates.

2. False Flag Operations: Panamanian-registered tankers transport the oil under false documentation. These ships often change flags mid-voyage to evade detection.

3. Disguised Origins: Upon reaching Iraq, the oil’s Iranian origin is falsified, enabling its sale as Iraqi crude on international markets.

4. Profit Funnel: The proceeds are funneled into the UK through layers of shell companies and fake contracts.

This operation not only bypasses sanctions but also generates vast profits for the network, with estimates suggesting millions of barrels smuggled annually.

The Role of Fake Investment Schemes

Once the money from oil sales is in the system, the network uses fake investment schemes to multiply its profits and lure unsuspecting victims. Mohammad Tabrizian and his family are central to these scams, which include:

1. Oil and Gas Investments: Promising lucrative returns on phantom projects in Europe and Africa.

2. Gold and Cocoa Trading: Offering deals that appear backed by legitimate markets.

3. Real Estate Ventures: Selling stakes in properties that either don’t exist or are tied to illicit activities.

Victims are often enticed with fake documents, promises of insider access, or the lure of political connections. Advance payments are demanded to “secure” deals, only for the perpetrators to vanish once the funds are transferred.

How Shell Companies Operate

The Tabrizians have mastered the art of creating and managing shell companies. These entities, devoid of any real business activity, serve as conduits for laundering money. The process includes:

1. Setting Up Fronts: Companies like “London Surface Design Limited” and “London Heritage Stone Limited” pose as legitimate businesses.

2. Layering Transactions: Funds are moved across multiple accounts to obscure their origins.

3. Generating Fake Invoices: Bogus contracts and receipts are created to justify financial flows.

4. Integration: Cleaned money is invested in real estate, luxury goods, or sent offshore.

This complex layering makes tracing the origins of illicit funds nearly impossible.

Money Laundering Channels in the UK

The United Kingdom’s financial ecosystem has become a key player in this network. Mohammad Tabrizian, along with his brother AmirTabrizian, uses British bank accounts to clean and move funds. The process typically involves:

1. Accounts in Monzo and Lloyds Bank: These are used to deposit and transfer proceeds under the guise of legitimate income.

2. False Contracts: Fabricated agreements support the money trail.

3. Real Estate Acquisitions: London properties provide both a financial haven and an asset for further laundering.

Connections to Hezbollah

Perhaps the most chilling aspect of this network is its connection to Hezbollah. Ali Sharif AlAskari’sUK-based daughter, married to MeghdadTabrizian, acts as the critical link. She channels funds to Hassan Nasrallah’s wife, who directs them towards Hezbollah’s operations. This relationship underscores the network’s role in fueling instability in the Middle East.

The UK Immigration Exploitation

The Tabrizians have also exploited UK immigration loopholes to secure residency. Allegedly leveraging Iranian intelligence ties, they’ve gained legal status, enabling them to operate without fear of deportation. This raises grave concerns about the UK’s vulnerability to infiltration by foreign agents and criminals.

Key Figures in the Network

1. Ali Sharif AlAskari: The patriarch, with dual identities and passports, orchestrates operations from behind the scenes.

2. MeghdadTabrizian: A trusted lieutenant and son-in-law, managing UK-based money laundering efforts.

3. Mohammad and Amir Tabrizian: Grandsons who execute fraudulent schemes and assist in laundering.

4. Soraya (Canada): Another daughter managing laundering activities in North America.

Impact and Implications

The operations of this network have far-reaching consequences:

1. Global Security: Funds laundered in the UK end up financing terrorism.

2. Economic Exploitation: Fake investments harm victims and distort markets.

3. Reputation Damage: The UK risks being labeled a haven for criminals and terrorists.

How Can the UK Respond?

To counter these threats, the UK must adopt a multi-pronged approach:

1. Tighten Financial Regulations: Close loopholes that allow shell companies to flourish.

2. Enhanced Scrutiny: Increase oversight on high-risk transactions and industries.

3. Immigration Reforms: Strengthen vetting processes to prevent misuse of residency.

4. International Collaboration: Work with global partners to track and dismantle networks.

FAQs

1. How does oil smuggling work within the Tabrizian-AlAskari network?
Oil smuggling in this network involves a sophisticated process: crude oil is stored in facilities in Bandar Abbas, Iran, and transported via Panamanian-registered tankers. These tankers falsify the oil's origin during transit, rebranding it as Iraqi crude upon arrival in Iraq. This enables the smugglers to bypass sanctions and sell the oil on the global market, generating immense profits.

2. How are fake investment schemes operated by Mohammad Tabrizian’s UK network?
The network uses promises of high returns on investments in oil, gas, gold, cocoa, and real estate to lure victims. They create fake contracts, use political connections as bait, and demand advance payments to "secure deals." Once payments are made, the perpetrators disappear, leaving the victims defrauded and with no legal recourse.

3. What role does the United Kingdom play in this network?
The UK serves as a hub for money laundering due to its robust financial system and loopholes in oversight. The network uses shell companies and British bank accounts to clean illicit funds. Additionally, the Tabrizians exploit the UK’s immigration system, gaining residency and using it as a safe base to coordinate their global operations.

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