Iran's shadow oil billions vanish as trusties flee, Interpol red notices issued

Intermediaries handling Iran's oil revenues misappropriated billions, with some fleeing the country.

Zabihollah Khodaeian, head of Iran's State Inspection Organization, said one intermediary failed to return $200 million before absconding.

criminal cases have been filed against managers of trustee companies; 15 Interpol Red Notices have been requested.

The trustee system bypasses international sanctions by using private companies to move oil revenues via UAE, Turkey, and Oman.

Officials disagree on responsibility: Oil minister Mohsen Paknejad says his ministry's role ends with marketing crude, while the Central Bank oversees revenue deposits.