The Feds Say This 36-Story Building in Manhattan Was Secretly Owned by Iran

Atlantic Wire ^ | 9/17/13 | Dashiell Bennett

[Baynative]

The Justice Department has seized a New York City office tower after claiming it was secretly owned by the Iranian government, who was using it to launder their money. One Wednesday, the DOJ received a summary judgement from a U.S. District Court, ruling that building's owners were actually a front for the Iranian government, placing them in violation of economic sanctions that prevent them doing business in the United States. Now the U.S. government says the building could be sold to compensate victims of "Iranian-sponsored terrorism."

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who has made a name for himself by going after Wall Street crooks, said the ruling "paves the way for the largest-ever terrorism-related forfeiture," using American sanctions against Iran as the tool. The ruling allows the DOJ to seize bank accounts and other property belonging to the building's owner and use those assets to pay back victims who have standing judgments against the Iranian government because their loved ones died in terror attacks linked to Tehran.

[Baynative]

The owners were also accused of money laundering offenses, including giving their rental income to Bank Melli, which takes its orders from the leaders in Tehran. The judge's ruling states that the building's owner was not simply unaware of the connection, but was actively "providing services to assist Iran by shielding and concealing Iranian assets." The ruling avoids a trial, but can still be appealed.

[SueRae]

If there is one appointment 0bama made that I concur with (even though he was on is way up..and a Democrat), it is Preet Bharara. I am a huge fan of this man. He and his team and cross agency cooperative efforts have brought some big time crooks and worldwide schemes to an end. He’d even have my vote for Attorney General. Listen to some of his speeches sometime. He is all business and I believe an honest and ethical man.

[umgud]

Good.

[PghBaldy]

Obama must have made a terrible mistake, then ;)

[FreedomStar3028]

The exception to the rule.

[struggle]

Obama, pick up the white courtesy phone. Saudi Arabia has some more info for you.

[eleni121]

Not as bad as the White House being owned by the Saudis...

[Finalapproach29er]

Let’s see who makes a buy offer;that might tell you a lot.

[Revelation 911]

I suspect the Bluth family is somehow behind this

[Sirius Lee]

I guess the owners of the new muzzie Park 51 mosque next to ground zero don’t want the competition for money laundering and supporting terrorism.

[justlurking]

The address is 650 5th Avenue.

Only a couple of blocks from Rockefeller Center and the Radio City Music Hall.

The even have their own website: 650 Fifth.

[Pan_Yan]

Now the U.S. government says the building could be sold to compensate victims of "Iranian-sponsored terrorism."

Which should include many of the soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan since our government has spent most of the last 12 years ignoring Iran's direct involvement in the fighting in both those countries.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Baynative.

The Justice Department has seized a New York City office tower after claiming it was secretly owned by the Iranian government, who was using it to launder their money.

Vladimir Putin will next claim that the US makes itself a target by being wealthy.

[GOPJ]

....Preet Bharara. I am a huge fan of this man. He and his team and cross agency cooperative efforts have brought some big time crooks and worldwide schemes to an end. He’d even have my vote for Attorney General. Listen to some of his speeches sometime. He is all business and I believe an honest and ethical man.

Interesting - thanks for sharing.