US Moves to Seize $15M Linked to Iranian Oil Sanctions Evasion Network

The United States has filed civil forfeiture complaints seeking the seizure of more than $15.3 million allegedly linked to an illicit Iranian oil shipping and distribution network operating in violation of US sanctions. The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges the funds were used to support a sanctions evasion scheme tied to Iran’s National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including the IRGC-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), both designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

According to the complaints filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia on 6 March 2026, the funds were connected to a network allegedly controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani. Prosecutors claim the Shamkhani Network used front companies, shipping operations and financial intermediaries to sell and distribute Iranian oil globally while disguising its origin and circumventing sanctions imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Authorities allege the network formed a complex commercial structure designed to conceal links to Iran and sanctioned individuals. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Shamkhani on 30 July 2025, identifying him as the son of Ali Shamkhani, a senior political adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader and former head of Iran’s National Defence Council. OFAC previously stated the network operates a fleet of vessels and shell companies used to launder billions in profits from Iranian and Russian oil sales, often destined for buyers in China.

The forfeiture complaints focus on two separate financial streams allegedly used by companies linked to the network. Approximately $12.97 million was reportedly intended for Wellbred Capital Pte Ltd and its subsidiary Wellbred Trading DMCC. Authorities claim these entities were acquired and managed by Shamkhani and associates to maintain the appearance of independence while secretly operating as part of the broader sanctions evasion structure.

A further $2.4 million was allegedly earmarked for Sea Lead Shipping Pte Ltd and its affiliate Sea Lead Shipping Agency India PV. According to investigators, these companies were intended to provide maritime logistics and shipping services to facilitate the transport of Iranian oil through the network’s fleet and intermediaries.

US authorities argue that the funds provided influence over NIOC, the IRGC and the IRGC-QF and were intended to promote continued violations of sanctions. The action highlights Washington’s increasing focus on targeting financial flows connected to Iranian oil sales and the maritime networks used to obscure them.

The investigation involves multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Prosecutors from the DOJ Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and the National Security Division are leading the case.

The case underscores growing enforcement efforts aimed at dismantling global sanctions evasion networks that use complex shipping structures, shell companies and financial channels to move Iranian oil and petroleum products into international markets.

Read the press release here.