U.S. Moving to Seize Properties Tied to Iran

U.S. Federal Prosecutors are after an Iranian foundation that they claim is sending money, services and goods to Iran through its American network. Federal laws ban trade with Iran.

Manhattan Federal prosecutors took legal action to seize Iranian properties in Manhattan, Queens and across the country where there are several mosques. The New York Times reports they're after a nonprofit organization, called the Alavi Foundation that is accused of illegally collecting money and other services to send to Iran. The Alavi Foundation owns a majority interest in an office tower in Manhattan, which has also been slated for seizure by the government Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan are demanding that Alavi forfeit its 60% stake in 650 Fifth Avenue, also known as the Piaget building and its other assets in the U.S., including properties in New York, California, Texas, Virginia and Maryland. The Piaget building was built in the 1970s by a foundation set up by Iran's former shah. The foundation was later renamed Alavi. The Alavi Foundation is accused of spending millions to buy and develop the properties, in direct violation of federal laws that ban trade with Iran. The Queens, NY property, which is at 55-11 Queens Boulevard and houses the Imam Ali Mosque is also under investigation. The government is also seeking the foundation's forfeiture of seven other properties across the country, most of which house mosques. The Wall Street Journal reports that these other properties are believed to be private Muslim schools in Houston and in Rockville, Md.; and an Islamic nonprofit group in Carmichael, Calif. The government is making no allegations against the mosques or the tenants of the property that is owned by the foundation. Daniel Ruzumna, a lawyer for the Alavi Foundation released this statement:

“The Alavi Foundation is disappointed that the government decided to bring this civil forfeiture action. The foundation has been cooperating fully with the government since the investigation began. The foundation intends to litigate the government’s claims and expects to prevail when the litigation is over.”