"The Isle of Man takes matters relating to financial crime, sanctions compliance and the integrity of the international financial system extremely seriously"
Government has issued a statement after international media reports linked an Isle of Man-registered company with Iran's new supreme leader.
An investigation by Bloomberg into Mojtaba Khamenei - as reported in the Mail Online and in other UK media - says he owns 11 mansions in Hampstead, North London, through a "front man" called Ali Ansari, and claims they were bought through a shell company called Birch Ventures Limited - registered on Athol Street in Douglas.
The Mail says the properties, alongside others in London, have had "a charge laid on them by the UK Treasury since October last year, which blocks them from being sold".
It says: "The charges were imposed after Ansari was sanctioned by the Treasury, which accuses him of being a 'corrupt banker' who financed the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC)."
Roger Gherson, a lawyer acting for Ansari, told the Mail: “Mr Ansari vehemently denies any financial relationship with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or the son of the former supreme leader.
“It is his intention to challenge the UK Government’s decision to impose sanctions.”
Following these reports, Manx Radio approached the Isle of Man Government for comment.
In a statement, a spokesperson says: "We do not comment on individual media reports or on the affairs of specific persons. However, the Isle of Man takes matters relating to financial crime, sanctions compliance and the integrity of the international financial system extremely seriously. Our commitment to maintaining a strong, modern and well‑regulated jurisdiction is long‑standing and is reflected in our comprehensive anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, which continues to align with international standards.
"Any suggestion that Isle of Man corporate structures are used to obscure ownership should be viewed in the context of the Island’s established and effective transparency regime. The Isle of Man provides timely access to accurate, verified beneficial ownership information to UK law enforcement through the Exchange of Notes Arrangement, has implemented access for obliged entities and continues to strengthen its framework in line with evolving international expectations.
"In line with all Designated non-Financial Businesses and Professions and Financial Services businesses, the Trust and Corporate Service Provider (TCSP) sector is subject to risk‑based supervision. The recently published TCSP National Risk Assessments confirm that while its client base and complex structures expose it to Medium‑High risk, controls continue to be strengthened through enhanced supervision, thematic reviews, and updated guidance. Firms are required to apply robust due diligence, including enhanced scrutiny of higher‑risk customers and foreign politically exposed persons. The sector remains a significant part of our economy, but its ongoing vigilance and close cooperation with regulators form a central part of maintaining the Island’s financial integrity.
"The Isle of Man operates a coordinated, whole‑Island approach to combating financial crime, with Government, regulators, law‑enforcement agencies and industry all playing their part. Our communication and response principles—proportionality, transparency, independence and coordination—ensure that any matter falling within the remit of the relevant authorities is handled through established, structured processes.
"The Isle of Man is unequivocal in its zero‑tolerance stance towards criminal activity. We will continue to work constructively with domestic and international partners to ensure that the Island is never used to facilitate illicit activity, and that our reputation as a responsible, cooperative and well‑regulated jurisdiction is protected."
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