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The Guardian World1 min read
UK sanctions network accused of planning attacks for Iran
TL;DR
The UK has imposed sanctions on an Iranian-linked network accused of planning attacks in the UK and abroad. Nine individuals and three entities face travel bans and asset freezes due to their involvement in hostile activities on behalf of Iran.
Key points
- UK sanctions imposed on an Iranian-linked network
- Nine individuals and three entities face travel bans and asset freezes
- Network accused of plotting attacks and destabilizing efforts
- Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti is the alleged leader of the network
- Sanctions reflect concerns over Iranian influence and security threats
Mentioned in this story
Zindashti criminal networkNaji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti
The British government has imposed sanctions on an Iranian-linked network accused of plotting attacks in the UK and elsewhere.
The Foreign Office has issued travel bans, asset freezes and director disqualification orders to nine people and three entities, linked to “Iranian-backed hostile activity”.
They are accused of plotting attacks and financing efforts to destabilise Britain and its allies on behalf of Iran.
The sanctioned include alleged members and associates of the Zindashti criminal network, accused of threatening, planning or conducting attacks against people and assets in Britain and elsewhere.
Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, the network’s alleged leader, was sanctioned by both Britain and the United States in 2024. Authorities described him at the time as the head of an international drug and trafficking cartel directed by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
The European Union followed with its own designations last year.
London, Washington and Brussels have all accused the network of conducting assassination and kidnapping operations, targeting critics of the Iranian government.
Billions
Others sanctioned by the UK included five members of the Zarringhalam family, who are accused of helping finance destabilisation efforts.
Three of the family were sanctioned by the United States last year for their alleged role in Iran’s shadow banking network. Washington said it laundered billions of dollars through front companies in the UAE and Hong Kong.
Two exchange houses linked to the family’s network, Berelian Exchange and GCM Exchange, were also designated.
Also named are Turkish national Ekrem Oztunc, Namiq Salifov from Azerbaijan and Nihat Abdul Kadir Asan from Iran. All are accused of threatening, planning or conducting attacks in the UK or elsewhere.
The designations are the latest in a series of measures Britain has taken against Iran in recent months. They follow separate sanctions issued in February targeting members of Iran’s security apparatus for violently suppressing widespread pro-reform protests earlier this year.
Q&A
What actions did the UK government take against the Iranian-linked network?
The UK government imposed travel bans, asset freezes, and director disqualification orders on nine individuals and three entities linked to the network.
Who is Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti and what are the allegations against him?
Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti is alleged to be the leader of the Zindashti criminal network, accused of planning attacks and conducting hostile activities directed by Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
What is the significance of the sanctions imposed by the UK?
The sanctions aim to counter Iranian-backed hostile activities that threaten the UK and its allies, highlighting ongoing security concerns related to Iran's influence.
