One of the most striking examples involves Kazem Saddiqi, the representative of the Supreme Leader in Tehran, who was recently implicated in the 4,000-square-meter land theft of the Ozgol garden. This incident, however, was quickly overshadowed by revelations concerning Ali Shamkhani, the former secretary of the Supreme Council of National Security and a prominent member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to leaked details from rival political factions, Shamkhani spent approximately 13.65 trillion rials ($22,000), an amount equivalent to the salary of 195 months for an average Iranian laborer, for just one night of celebration.
These expenditures are particularly shocking given the ongoing economic sanctions against Iran, which Shamkhani and his cohort are accused of perpetuating. Critics argue that by maintaining these sanctions, these leaders intensify the hardships faced by ordinary Iranians, increasing poverty and hunger.
The exorbitant costs associated with the wedding are further highlighted by the scandal involving the wedding invitations. A report by the “Arman-e Melli” newspaper revealed that the designer of the wedding cards charged millions of rials for using basic templates from the free design program Canva, a sum that Shamkhani, with his immense wealth, likely considered negligible.
Moreover, Shamkhani’s wealth includes significant investments and properties. He owns the profitable “Admiral” shipping company and has engaged in lucrative construction projects on prime real estate in Tehran. He also built a luxurious villa in Lavasan and has his son-in-law contracted for similarly opulent projects in the area.
These revelations have sparked intense discussion about the scale of corruption in Iran. While some details of Shamkhani’s wealth have been made public, it is suggested that these are merely the “tip of the iceberg.” The full extent of his fortune, and by extension, those of others in similar positions of power, remains largely hidden and could be much greater
As these reports continue to surface, they not only expose the alleged financial misconduct of Iran’s elites but also highlight the growing disparities between the governing classes and the general populace, fueling further discontent and calls for accountability within the country.
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