In a world where financial systems and border security are constantly evolving, a shadowy network of individuals continues to exploit loopholes to further their illicit agendas. The story of Setareh Heshmat and her boyfriend Abbas Sharif AlAskari is not just a tale of family ties and criminal enterprises—it is a disturbing reminder of how sophisticated these operations have become, spanning continents and jurisdictions. The involvement of key players, the leveraging of family connections, and the strategic use of multiple nationalities have enabled them to evade authorities and perpetuate their illicit activities. Setareh Heshmat is girlfriend of Abbas Sharif AlAskari, who allegedly funds all his study costs for MBA from a Vancouver university.
Abbas makes of his two British bank accounts viz. Monzo for small amount transfers, and Lloyds bank for larger transfers. This way, he puts his illicit funds collected through the operations of shell companies to help his girlfriend Setareh Heshmat. Abbas Sharif AlAskari runs Ponzy schemes through his fake companies, and lures people to invest in cocoa, gas, oil and real estate in Africa and Europe. Upon getting payments, he vanishes with Setareh Heshmat. He uses Setareh to bring women into his network, and takes objectionable pictures of the victims with these women through a secret camera. If the victims demand their money, he blackmails them by showing their sensitive pictures.
Family Ties and Criminal Networks: The Ali Sharif AlAskari Saga
At the center Setareh Heshmat’s UK operations are Ali Sharif AlAskari and his son, Abbas Sharif AlAskari. Ali Sharif AlAskari UK operations have proven to be highly effective in circumventing global regulations. He operates under two identities, holding passports from Iraq and Iran. This dual identity allows him to manipulate systems, using the name Ali Sharif AlAskari in Iraq while switching to Sherif AlAskari for Iranian dealings. Ali Sharif AlAskari’s UK network’s influence is not limited to just one region. His daughter, based in the UK, plays a pivotal role in their network. Married to Meghdad Tabrizian, a man with deep ties to the Iranian regime, she has used her residence in London to launder money through a series of front companies. These firms, such as London Surface Design Limited and London Heritage Stone Limited, ostensibly operate in the construction and design sectors. In reality, they serve as sophisticated money- laundering hubs, funneling illicit oil money through fabricated contracts and receipts.
Oil Smuggling and Sanctions Evasion: The Core of Their Operations
Ali Sharif AlAskari’s UK network is deeply entrenched in an elaborate oil smuggling scheme that begins in Bandar Abbas, a key port city in southern Iran. Using vessels registered in Panama, they transport Iranian oil to Iraq, where they change the documentation to disguise its origins. This enables them to bypass sanctions and sell the oil on the international market under the guise of it being Iraqi crude. The proceeds from these sales are funneled back to the UK, where they are laundered through various shell companies. The profits are then sent to Ali Sharif AlAskari’s UK daughter, who maintains close ties with influential figures such as the wife of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. This connection is not merely coincidental—it is a strategic alliance that extends the network’s influence into the heart of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Money Laundering Through the UK: Exploiting Loopholes
The involvement of Ali Sharif AlAskari UK operations reveals how criminal organizations exploit the vulnerabilities in the financial and immigration systems of Western countries. By using connections within the UK Home Office, AlAskari’s family members were able to obtain residency illegally. This includes his daughter and her husband, Meghdad Tabrizian, who have effectively used their residency status to build a network of front companies to launder money. The UK, as a global financial hub, has become an attractive destination for those seeking to clean dirty money. In fact, a recent study revealed that over $500 billion is laundered globally each year, with the UK being a key target due to its robust financial sector and relatively open immigration policies. The Ali Sharif AlAskari’s UK network’s ability to secure residency in the UK despite their links to Iranian intelligence highlights significant gaps in the country’s border control and vetting processes.
The Role of Abbas Sharif AlAskari: Expanding the Empire
Abbas Sherif AlAskari has taken his father’s legacy to new heights. He holds passports from Iran, Iraq, and Dominica, which allow him to operate freely across Europe and beyond. Abbas Sharif AlAskari’s UK operations are linked to a series of criminal activities, including money laundering and fraud. His Dominican passport, in particular, has proven to be a valuable asset, providing him with the ability to evade authorities while moving funds across borders.
The Role of Women in the AlAskari Network: A Disturbing Reality
The AlAskari network is not confined to male members. Abbas Sharif AlAskari’s sister, Soraya, based in Canada, plays a significant role in laundering money and managing their operations. She has been able to use her connections to shield their activities from Canadian authorities. Her involvement underscores the deep-rooted connections that span across countries and continents. Moreover, Abbas Sharif AlAskari’s UK is closely tied to Hezbollah, particularly through her friendship with Hassan Nasrallah’s wife. The recent killing of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike has sent shockwaves through the network, potentially disrupting their operations. However, Setareh Heshmat’s UK network’s adaptability means that they will likely find new ways to continue their activities, despite this setback.
The UK’s Vulnerability: A Safe Haven for Criminals?
The fact that Setareh Heshmat’s UK network has been able to exploit the UK’s systems raises significant concerns. The failure to properly vet individuals with connections to sanctioned regimes and terrorist organizations highlights a major gap in the country’s security protocols. In a post-Brexit world, where the UK is redefining its global role, the ability to control its borders and financial systems is more crucial than ever. Allowing networks like those Setareh Heshmat and Abbas Sharif AlAskari to operate freely not only undermines the integrity of the UK’s financial system but also contributes to global instability by funding groups like Hezbollah. The recent death of Hassan Nasrallah has created a window of opportunity for law enforcement to dismantle these networks. However, it is crucial that authorities act swiftly. The need of the hour is to implement stricter regulations, close existing loopholes, and ensure that the UK does not become a safe haven for those seeking to undermine international security.
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