An investigative report by Der Standard uncovers Ramin Mirfakhrai’s ties to Iranian regime networks in Austria. Mirfakhrai facilitated visa applications and financial dealings for Iranian officials through Blue River Holding GmbH, raising concerns about Iran’s influence in Europe amid ongoing sanctions. His involvement in luxury car deals further complicates his claims of innocence. The findings stress the necessity for scrutiny over Iran’s clandestine operations in European political and business spheres.
A recent investigative report by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard has raised serious concerns regarding the connections between Ramin Mirfakhrai, a lawyer based in Vienna, and powerful Iranian regime-affiliated entities. Although Mirfakhrai has been recognized for his involvement in the 2019 “Ibiza Affair,” documents suggest his participation in dubious dealings related to Iran.
Mirfakhrai is reported to have acted as a trusted intermediary for an Iranian-affiliated network in Vienna, where he facilitated visa applications for senior Iranian officials through Blue River Holding GmbH. This company allegedly aided Iranian elites in circumventing international sanctions to access Europe and sought to establish a financial transaction system between Iran and Europe.
Moreover, Mirfakhrai was reportedly engaged in brokering financial agreements, including a €10 million bank loan sought by Blue River for its Iranian operations. Internal documentation indicates that he was an integral part of discussions with former Austrian politicians, further entrenching his role in these dealings.
The investigation also unveiled that Mirfakhrai facilitated a luxury car export deal to Iran, collaborating with Bentley automobile manufacturers via Zar Group. This Tehran-based company has significant links to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with its executives having received public commendations from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Despite the mounting evidence against him, Mirfakhrai vehemently denies any misconduct, asserting ignorance of Blue River’s full activities and claiming to have severed ties with the company. However, the frequent appearance of his name in Blue River’s internal documents casts doubt on these assertions.
This investigation highlights how operatives of the Iranian regime utilize intermediaries in Europe to maneuver around sanctions and expand their influence. It reveals significant concerns regarding the infiltration of Tehran-linked networks within Austrian and broader European institutions, particularly under the pretense of business transactions.
In summary, the report by Der Standard reveals alarming connections between Ramin Mirfakhrai and Iranian regime-affiliated entities, suggesting a network operating in Austria to facilitate Tehran’s influence. The investigation underscores critical legal and ethical concerns regarding the facilitation of Iranian interests in Europe and highlights the need for vigilance in maintaining democratic integrity and security amid growing Iranian involvement in European institutions.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
