A recently published report alleges corruption involving Kazem Seddiqi, the Friday prayer leader of Tehran in Iran. The report claims Seddiqi acquired a massive property estimated to be worth over one trillion tomans.
Public outrage over corruption within the Iranian regime seems to be waning, with news of embezzlement by officials becoming commonplace. This time, however, the accusations fall on the head of the regime’s morality police, raising eyebrows.
From Seminary Founder to Alleged Land Grab
Prior to his appointment as Tehran’s Friday prayer leader, Seddiqi played a significant role in the regime’s judicial system. He established the Khomeini Seminary in Tehran’s affluent Ozgol district. Over time, Seddiqi allegedly expanded the seminary’s footprint by acquiring surrounding land, ultimately creating a vast property exceeding 23,000 square meters in northern Tehran.
The report further alleges that a portion of this land, a 4,200 square meter garden in the northeast corner, was controversially transferred to a private company named “Payrovan-e Andisheh Qaem.” This company, remarkably, lists Seddiqi and his children as the main owners.
Luxury Amidst Austerity
These allegations are particularly concerning given Seddiqi’s past dismissive remarks about Iranian living conditions. In 2021, he supposedly ridiculed the public, suggesting their holiday trips to the north of Iran signified a good standard of living.
A Web of Connections
Further investigation reveals that “Payrovan-e Andisheh Qaem” was established only in 2023. The company’s board members include Seddiqi’s sons, Mohammad Hossein Rajabi Seddiqi, and Mohammad Mehdi Rajabi Seddiqi. Interestingly, his daughter-in-law, Rezvaneh Qawam, is listed as the inspector.
The company also features Javad Azizi, a former manager under Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current speaker of the Iranian parliament, during his time as Tehran’s mayor. Azizi reportedly faced past corruption charges while in office. Additionally, Fazlollah Beig Verdi, head of Seddiqi’s security detail, serves as the company’s substitute inspector.
Power Struggles and Unanswered Questions
The report suggests a possible disconnect between “Payrovan-e Andisheh Qaem” and the Khomeini Seminary. Despite this, the company inexplicably holds ownership of the seminary’s land.
Finally, the report mentions Seddiqi’s alleged affiliation with a power faction within the Iranian regime, alongside Morteza Agha Tehrani and Hamid Rasaei. The group supposedly rivals the faction led by Ghalibaf, with recent clashes over issues like the “Hijab and Chastity Bill” and parliamentary seats highlighting this ongoing power struggle.
