The US Department of Justice is reportedly investigating Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei as part of a broader probe into alleged money laundering and corruption. The investigation is examining how Khamenei allegedly built a global investment portfolio with exposure to major Wall Street banks, according to officials familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.
Investigation Details
The report said investigators are scrutinising transactions involving companies overseen by Khamenei and reviewing whether US financial institutions played any role in facilitating those dealings. According to Bloomberg, the banks under review include JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup. The investigation does not necessarily mean criminal charges will be filed but that Khamenei remains the primary focus of the probe.
Background on Khamenei
Khamenei became Iran's supreme leader after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike. As the country's highest authority, he has the final say on major state matters, including foreign policy and Iran's nuclear programme. Meanwhile, rumours have swirled around Mojtaba's condition after the strikes that killed his father Ali Khamenei on February 28, who was the Supreme leader at the time.
Recent Statements
Earlier this month, US state secretary Marco Rubio said he "believes" Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and is becoming "increasingly engaging" in leadership matters. The investigation adds a new layer of scrutiny to the Iranian leadership amid ongoing tensions.
