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U.S. Seizes Properties Tied to Iran

[Los Angeles Times] Josh Meyer - Federal authorities Thursday moved to seize an array of U.S.-based properties, bank accounts and religious sites they charged were funneling money to an Iranian bank involved in that country's nuclear weapons program. Prosecutors sought the forfeiture of assets that included Islamic centers and mosques in California, Maryland, New York City and Houston, as well as land in Virginia. They also took steps to seize financial control of a 36-story office tower at 650 Fifth Ave. in Manhattan that they said was part of a business empire controlled by the Alavi Foundation. "The Alavi Foundation has effectively been a front for the government of Iran," U.S. Atty. Preet Bharara said in a statement. "For two decades, the Alavi Foundation's affairs have been directed by various Iranian officials, including Iranian ambassadors to the United Nations, in violation of a series of American laws." Prosecutors said Alavi was sending money to Bank Melli, which the Treasury Department alleged is owned by the Iranian government and being used to help build its weapons program.
2009-11-13 06:00:00
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