FOX News: The U.S. Treasury announced Tuesday that it is sanctioning 11 companies tied to Bank Melli, which the U.S. government has long held is a front operation of the Iranian government.
FOXNews.com
The U.S. Treasury announced Tuesday that it is sanctioning 11 companies tied to Bank Melli, which the U.S. government has long held is a front operation of the Iranian government.
According to the Treasury, Bank Melli has been designated as a nuclear proliferator by the United States, the European Union and Australia.
"The international community has recognized the proliferation risks posed by Iran's Bank Melli," Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey said in a written statement. "We will continue to take steps to protect the integrity of the international financial system by exposing the banks, companies, and individuals supporting Iran's nuclear and missile programs."
In December, federal authorities seized control of a New York City office building owned by Assa Corp., which the government alleges is a front company for Bank Melli.
The companies sanctioned include Bank Melli Iran Investment Company (BMIIC), Bank Melli Printing and Publishing Co., BMIIC International General Trading Ltd., Melli Investment Holding International, Cement Investment and Development Company, Mazandaran Textile Company, Mazandaran Cement Company, Melli Agrochemical Company, MEHR Cayman Ltd., First Persian Equity Fund and Shomal Cement Company.
All transactions involving any of the companies and any U.S. person are prohibited by law and all assets that may belong to those companies in the U.S. are now frozen
