Iran Judiciary Seizes Assets of 240 People over Alleged Collaboration with Hostile Regimes

Iran’s Judiciary has seized assets belonging to around 240 individuals accused of collaborating with hostile regimes, including Israel, according to the Judiciary’s Media Center. The seizures were carried out in recent months under judicial orders and a law imposing tougher penalties for espionage and cooperation with hostile regimes against Iran’s national security and interests. The Judiciary said those targeted had allegedly assisted activities that caused extensive damage to infrastructure and public facilities, including schools, universities, research centers and industrial sites.

The legislation, formally known as the “Law on Intensifying Penalties for the Crime of Espionage and Collaboration” with hostile regimes, provides severe punishments for offenses including sabotage, intelligence gathering, and cyber, military and media cooperation. Judiciary spokesman Ali Kazemi said the seized assets belong to the Iranian people and that judicial authorities would pursue their use to compensate victims for losses resulting from the alleged activities. The Judiciary said some of the assets belonged to individuals described as journalists working for overseas-based media outlets, activists, managers of hostile media organizations and other figures living abroad.

The Judiciary also highlighted the case of Sadeq Saedinia, who was recently subject to a final judicial ruling. Authorities alleged that Saedinia used social media to publish material and amplify calls for subversive action by groups described as counterrevolutionary and hostile to Iran. The Judiciary said he had sided with the enemy and, through his online activities, contributed to unrest in the central Iranian city of Qom and subsequent damage to public and private property during riots in December. The authorities said the latest asset seizures form part of broader judicial measures against individuals accused of activities threatening Iran’s national security.