Investigative Report Reveals Lawyer Ramin Mirfakhrai’s Links to Iranian Regime
An investigative report by Der Standard has exposed Ramin Mirfakhrai’s alleged ties to Iranian networks, revealing his role as an intermediary facilitating visa applications for Iranian officials and brokering financial deals through Blue River Holding GmbH, despite his claims of ignorance regarding these activities.
A recent investigative report by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard has unveiled troubling connections between Ramin Mirfakhrai, a Vienna-based lawyer, and influential entities tied to the Iranian regime. Despite previously being recognized for his involvement in the 2019 “Ibiza Affair,” new evidence indicates Mirfakhrai’s simultaneous engagement in dubious dealings related to Iran, challenging his portrayal as a civil society figure.
Der Standard details that Mirfakhrai served as a reliable intermediary for an Iranian-affiliated network in Vienna, facilitating visa applications for senior Iranian officials through a company named Blue River Holding GmbH. This organization reportedly assisted Iranian elites in accessing Europe despite sanctions isolating their regime and sought to develop a financial transaction system to bypass these restrictions.
Additionally, Mirfakhrai is accused of participating in financial negotiations, including discussions surrounding a €10 million bank loan for Blue River’s Iranian projects. His involvement with previous Austrian right-wing politicians was documented in internal meeting notes that explicitly mentioned him as a key figure in reviewing financing conditions.
Furthermore, the investigation reveals that Mirfakhrai played a crucial role in negotiating a luxury car export deal to Iran, attempting to collaborate with British automaker Bentley. This partnership involved Zar Group, a Tehran-based firm closely associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and its executives have received accolades from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
In light of this evidence, Mirfakhrai has consistently denied any misconduct, maintaining that he was unaware of the full extent of Blue River’s operations and claiming he is no longer affiliated with the company. Nevertheless, the repeated appearance of his name in internal documents raises significant doubts about his assertions.
This analysis sheds light on how operatives from the Iranian regime leverage intermediaries within Europe to circumvent sanctions and expand their influence discreetly. The alarming presence of Iran-linked networks in Austria reflects a broader concern regarding the infiltration of European institutions through ostensibly legitimate business and legal activities as the EU tightens restrictions on Iran, prompting crucial inquiries into the individuals within these institutions who may be enabling Tehran’s agenda.
The investigation by Der Standard reveals serious allegations against Ramin Mirfakhrai, highlighting his questionable involvement with Iranian networks in Austria. As the situation unfolds, it raises significant concerns about the intersection of legal practices and potential sanctions evasion, as well as Iran’s influence within European political frameworks. The implications of these findings urge a reassessment of how Iranian entities operate covertly within Europe, raising critical questions about accountability and transparency in political dealings.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
