London, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom sanctioned Iranian businessman Ali Ansari on Tuesday, alleging he helped finance Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). UK authorities froze his London assets.
Allegations and asset freeze
Ali Ansari, who holds a Cyprus passport, is accused by UK authorities of acting as a financier for the Iranian regime. The UK government froze his London assets following the recent collapse of Ayandeh Bank, an institution linked to his family.
Property portfolio and corporate structures
A Financial Times investigation, based on corporate filings, reported that Ansari amassed a European property portfolio worth an estimated €400 million. The investigation found he built the portfolio through a complex network of offshore companies registered in jurisdictions including Luxembourg, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Austria, Germany and Spain.
Sanctions status and attention on Cyprus
Ansari is not currently subject to EU sanctions. The developments have drawn renewed attention to Cyprus, which granted Ansari citizenship, amid broader scrutiny over how wealthy individuals with close ties to Iran’s ruling system continue to acquire assets in Europe despite international sanctions.
UK accusations and denial
UK authorities described Ansari as corrupt and allege his financial activities benefited the IRGC, which they said is involved in the violent suppression of protests in Iran. Ansari has denied the allegations through his lawyer, who rejected claims of any financial relationship with the Revolutionary Guards.
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