“SetarehHeshmat,” an investigator said softly, while surrounded by piles of papers ranging from continents, currencies, and covert affiliations. Her name, mysterious as it is, is associated with the criminal world connected with smuggling of oil, frauds in gold dealing, and complex money laundering. However, SetarehHeshmat was just one of them; one that is spread across the United Kingdom, Canada, and more.

This article explores how what appears to be normal business activities in oil and gas, and real estate industries is actually part of a complex network operating in the dark. For years, this group has been able to avoid detection through employing new techniques, creating shell companies, and being unmerciful.

The Mechanics of Financial Disguise

1. The Fake Investment Schemes

When Abbas Sharif AlAskari proposes investments in Africa or Europe, it’s not your average business pitch. He persuades targets to fund ventures in:

1. Oil and Gas: Investors are told the funds will unlock lucrative drilling opportunities, often linked to government approvals requiring hefty “political payments.”

2. Gold and Cocoa: Using counterfeit certificates and forged geological reports, Abbas convinces financiers that they’re buying into verified deposits.

3. Real Estate: Promises of high-value properties and development projects mask a sophisticated scam.

After receiving upfront payments, Abbas disappears, leaving investors empty-handed.

2. Shell Companies as Gateways

Key players like MeghdadTabrizian and Abbas Sharif AlAskari’s sister operate companies such as “London Surface Design Limited” and “London Heritage Stone Limited.” Ostensibly part of the construction industry, these firms serve as conduits for illicit funds. Here’s how:

1. Layering Transactions: Funds are moved between multiple accounts in different countries, making the origins untraceable.

2. Invoice Manipulation: False invoices for fake projects legitimize large cash inflows.

3. Disguising Ownership: Ownership trails vanish through nominees and offshore registrations, often in tax havens like Panama.

3. Oil Smuggling Unveiled

Ali Sharif AlAskari and Mohsen Fallahian oversee an operation circumventing international sanctions on Iranian oil. Here’s how their scheme works:

1. Step 1: Crude oil is stored in facilities at Bandar Abbas, Iran.

2. Step 2: Panamanian vessels transport the oil to Iraq.

3. Step 3: Documentation is altered to show the oil’s origin as Iraq, bypassing sanctions.

4. Step 4: The “Iraqi” oil is sold globally, with proceeds funneled into hidden accounts.

This clever deception has netted millions while undermining international trade integrity.

4. Residency Fraud: Opening New Doors

Residency fraud has been a cornerstone for key players. Abbas and his associates manipulate systems to secure entry into countries like the UK and Italy. For example:

1. Abbas secured UK residency through connections in the Home Office.

2. Mohsen Fallahian used forged documents to obtain Italian residency under a false identity.

Such tactics allow them to operate freely across jurisdictions, evading justice.

The Players and Their Roles

SetarehHeshmat: The Linchpin

Studying for her MBA in Vancouver, Setareh allegedly launders money for Abbas, funneling funds through her education and lifestyle expenses. This includes tuition fees and allowances sourced from laundered cash.

MeghdadTabrizian: The Strategist

With deep ties to Iran’s regime, MeghdadTabrizianacts as a puppet master in the UK, using his expertise to build front companies that serve as financial masks for the network.

Ali Sharif AlAskari: The Architect

Ali’s dual passports (Iranian and Iraqi) and ties to the Islamic Dawa Party enable him to orchestrate oil smuggling operations. His network leverages familial connections to evade scrutiny.

Abbas Sharif AlAskari: The Conman

Abbas’s multi-passport identity allows him to traverse borders effortlessly. His Monzo and Lloyds accounts are under investigation for facilitating large cash movements.

The Anatomy of Laundering

Understanding the methods behind laundering can illuminate how such operations flourish:

1. Casino Laundering: Small bets are placed in casinos, and winnings are reported as legitimate earnings.

2. Real Estate Purchases: Overvalued properties are bought and resold, often to entities controlled by the same network.

3. Cryptocurrency: Unregulated digital currencies provide anonymity for transactions.

Each channel builds a complex web, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace funds.

The Canadian Connection
In Toronto, Abbas’s sister, Soraya, has been instrumental in laundering money through Canadian financial systems. Leveraging her local connections, she avoids detection while funding the network’s international activities.

Additionally, Abbas’s brother-in-law, a professor specializing in AI, is suspected of providing advanced technology to enhance Iranian drone capabilities. This connection adds a geopolitical dimension to the criminal activities.

Impact and Implications

1. Economic: Fraudulent schemes erode trust in legitimate businesses.

2. Geopolitical: Activities such as oil smuggling fuel conflicts and undermine sanctions.

3. Social: The manipulation of residency systems strains resources meant for genuine immigrants.

FAQs

1. How do fake investment schemes in oil and gas operate, and how can investors protect themselves?

Fake investment schemes in oil and gas often involve promises of high returns with minimal risk, usually tied to lucrative drilling opportunities in remote locations. These schemes often request upfront payments for “political approvals” or “licenses” and offer fake certificates or geological reports to appear legitimate. The funds are siphoned off without ever reaching the intended project.
To protect yourself:

1. Do your research: Verify companies and their claims through trusted sources.

2. Ask for proof: Genuine projects provide verifiable documentation.

3. Consult experts: Seek advice from legal or financial professionals before committing large sums.

2. How do criminals use shell companies to launder illicit funds, and what red flags should people watch for?

Shell companies serve as legal entities without actual operations or assets. They allow criminals to move and disguise illicit funds by making the money appear as legitimate business transactions. Common tactics include creating fake invoices for non-existent services or inflating company earnings.
Red flags to look for:

1. Lack of physical presence: No office or employees but high transaction volume.

2. Opaque ownership: Multiple layers of anonymous ownership, often in tax havens.

3. Sudden, unexplained wealth: If someone is overly secretive or evasive about their business dealings.

3. What is the role of offshore jurisdictions like Panama in global money laundering?

Offshore jurisdictions, particularly those like Panama, offer anonymity and favorable regulations for those seeking to hide assets. These regions allow the creation of shell companies and facilitate the movement of illicit funds across borders without attracting attention. Criminals often use these jurisdictions to circumvent tax laws, sanctions, and other regulations.
The dangers of these jurisdictions:

1. Weak regulatory oversight: Little scrutiny on business practices or fund flows.

2. Corruption risks: Some countries have weak legal frameworks, making them attractive to illicit activity.

3. Global impact: The use of such systems undermines legitimate economies and fuels corruption.

Read More Articles-
Mohsen Fallahian: The Mastermind and His Network of Fraudsis at Israel’s Crosshairs
Con Men of Many Faces: The Untold Story of Abbas Sherif AlAskari and Mohsen Fallahian
From Oil Schemes to Blackmail: The International Criminal Network of Abbas Sherif AlAskari
Dark Connections: The Criminal Network of Abbas Sherif Alaskari and Associates
Mohammad Tabrizian: The Man Behind the Veil of Illicit Networks