Investigation into JPMorgan and Citigroup’s Ties to Iranian Leader
Reports indicate that the Justice Department is investigating JPMorgan and Citigroup as part of a wider probe into the financial activities of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei within the United States.
This inquiry is part of a broader crackdown on money laundering and corruption. Authorities are examining how Khamenei managed to amass a significant investment portfolio linked to Wall Street banks, as noted by an anonymous source.
Investigators are focusing on large fund transfers among businesses controlled by Khamenei, considering whether U.S. banks like JPMorgan and Citigroup played a role in facilitating these transactions.
Both the Justice Department and Citigroup declined to provide comments. JPMorgan has yet to respond to inquiries.
In addition to American banks, financial institutions across Europe and the Middle East are reportedly under scrutiny. Global brands that have received payments from Khamenei’s network, including Hilton Worldwide Holdings, are also being examined.
The network associated with the Iranian leader stretches from shipping activities in the Persian Gulf to luxury real estate in the UK. Funds are allegedly funneled through banks in Britain, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the UAE.
It’s important to note that, as the investigation unfolds, it’s possible that no charges will be filed. The Justice Department’s primary goal seems to be identifying weaknesses in the U.S. banking system that could permit Khamenei’s funds to enter the nation.
Khamenei ascended to leadership in June following the death of his father, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike at the beginning of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Reportedly, he was severely injured during the attack and has not made public appearances since taking office.
The Justice Department has cautioned that Iran is actively attempting to infiltrate the U.S. financial system.
Molly Maser, the head of the department’s money laundering division, remarked at a conference in New York this past May that, “over the last decade, the government’s focused efforts have largely driven Iran away from legitimate financial institutions.”
Nonetheless, she emphasized that “Iran continues to utilize shell companies and is taking every opportunity to exploit shadow structures to access U.S. dollars, as it remains the most sought-after currency.”
Prior to his leadership, Khamenei allegedly used financier Ali Ansari to transfer funds abroad, employing shell companies to acquire upscale properties and hotels across Europe, including one managed by Hilton.
Ansari was sanctioned in October 2025 for purportedly providing financial assistance to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His legal representative denied any connection to Khamenei.
The U.S. imposed personal sanctions on Khamenei in 2019 for acting on his father’s behalf and collaborating closely with the commander of the Revolutionary Guards.
Recently, some entities within Khamenei’s empire reportedly shifted their registrations from Ansari’s name to other names linked more directly to him, suggesting a potential effort to obscure ownership.
Following media coverage of Khamenei’s questionable dealings, Hilton initiated an internal review to assess the potential risk of sanctions related to its associations with two hotels in Germany—Hilton Frankfurt City Center and Hilton Frankfurt Grafenbruck. According to reports, advisers cautioned Hilton that failing to sever ties could lead to regulatory and reputational challenges, yet reservations at both locations are still available through Hilton’s website.
Hilton has not yet provided a comment regarding these developments.
