London mansions, Dubai villas, European hotels: How Mojtaba Khamenei built a global asset empire worth Rs 27,500 crore

Because many of the assets are reportedly held through intermediaries and shell companies, Mojtaba Khamenei’s exact net worth remains unclear.

Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise as Iran’s Supreme Leader has renewed scrutiny of vast financial networks linked to the ruling elite, including luxury properties and assets across Europe, Dubai, and Canada, reportedly managed via intermediaries and shell companies.

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The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has brought renewed scrutiny not only to Iran’s political structure but also to the vast financial networks connected to the ruling elite.

Investigations over the years have suggested that the Khamenei family’s influence extends far beyond politics into a complex web of international properties, investments and economic institutions. A recent investigation by Bloomberg News has again highlighted how assets allegedly linked to Mojtaba Khamenei span multiple countries, from luxury real estate in London to financial links across Europe and the Gulf.

Allegations of a global financial network

A year-long investigation by Bloomberg News reported that Mojtaba Khamenei is connected to an extensive financial and property network stretching across the United Kingdom, parts of Europe and the Gulf region.

The investigation drew on real estate records, confidential business documents and information from sources linked to a Western intelligence agency. According to the report, the system relies on multiple layers of ownership structures and financial transfers that obscure direct links to the Iranian leader.

Because many of the assets are reportedly held through intermediaries and shell companies, Mojtaba Khamenei’s exact net worth remains unclear. Estimates vary widely, though some reports suggest his personal wealth may exceed $3 billion (approx. Rs 27,500 crore).

London properties linked to the network

One of the most striking details in the Bloomberg investigation involves luxury properties in north London’s Bishop’s Avenue, a street often nicknamed “Billionaire’s Row.”

The report says several mansions on this road are believed to be linked to Mojtaba Khamenei’s wider financial network. One of the properties was purchased in 2014 for £33.7 million.

The houses reportedly remain largely empty behind high-security gates equipped with surveillance systems. Security personnel in dark SUVs are often seen stationed outside the properties.

The combined estimated value of these London homes exceeds $130 million.

However, these properties are not officially registered under Mojtaba Khamenei’s name.

Ownership records show they are held through a network of shell companies linked to Ali Ansari, an Iranian oil businessman who has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom.

The UK government imposed sanctions on Ansari in October 2025. Through his lawyer, Ansari has denied any financial or personal relationship with Mojtaba Khamenei and said he plans to challenge the sanctions.

Assets across Europe, Dubai and Canada

The Bloomberg investigation also identifies properties and financial links across several other countries.

These include a luxury villa in a wealthy residential area of Dubai, often described as the “Beverly Hills of Dubai.”

Other assets reportedly linked to the network include upscale hotels in Frankfurt and along Spain’s Mallorca coastline.

The report also mentions a penthouse in Toronto’s Four Seasons Private Residences that was sold in 2020 for C$10.5 million. Documents reviewed by Bloomberg also refer to a section of a building in Paris that was sold in 2023.

According to the investigation, financial transactions connected to these properties passed through bank accounts in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the United Arab Emirates.

The documents reviewed suggest that the funds involved in these transactions originated from Iranian oil sales.

Experts on Mojtaba Khamenei’s financial influence

Analysts who study Iran’s political and financial networks say Mojtaba Khamenei has significant influence over economic assets both inside and outside the country.

Farzin Nadimi, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Bloomberg that Mojtaba Khamenei exercises influence through a network of financial proxies.

“Mojtaba has major stakes or de facto control in various entities throughout Iran and abroad. When you analyse his financial network, Ali Ansari is the main account holder for him. This positions Ansari as one of the most influential oligarchs in the country today,” Nadimi said.

The much larger wealth of the Supreme Leader’s office

Mojtaba Khamenei’s personal wealth is only a small part of the financial system connected to Iran’s Supreme Leader.

During his decades in power, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was widely reported to control a vast economic network valued at around $95 billion.

One of the most important institutions in this system is the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order, commonly known as Setad.

The organisation was established in the late 1980s to manage properties abandoned or confiscated after the Iranian Revolution. Over time, Setad evolved into a massive economic conglomerate with investments across numerous sectors.

Today, the organisation operates through hundreds of affiliated companies involved in banking, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, energy, petrochemicals and real estate.

Investigations into its holdings suggest that its total assets are worth tens of billions of dollars.

Religious foundations with vast economic power

Another major component of Iran’s economic structure is a group of religious charitable foundations known as bonyads.

These institutions were created after the Iranian Revolution to support war veterans and disadvantaged citizens. However, they operate largely outside normal government oversight and taxation.

One of the largest is the Mostazafan Foundation, which controls hundreds of companies and owns assets across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction and hospitality.

Estimates place the foundation’s assets at more than $10 billion.

As Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei now holds authority over these institutions and has the power to appoint their leadership.

The IRGC’s vast economic empire

A significant portion of Iran’s economy is also tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, commonly known as the IRGC.

Over the years the organisation has built a vast business network operating through construction firms, infrastructure projects and energy companies.

One of its most powerful economic arms is the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, which has secured contracts worth billions of dollars for projects such as oil and gas development, highways, dams and telecommunications infrastructure.

Although the IRGC is not formally owned by the Supreme Leader, its leadership ultimately answers to him.

Control over Iran’s patronage system

The Supreme Leader also oversees a large patronage network that distributes financial resources to religious seminaries, charities, media outlets and political supporters.

Funding for these activities comes from multiple sources including religious donations, foundation revenues and state-linked investments.

With Mojtaba Khamenei now occupying the position of Supreme Leader, control over this extensive political and economic network has effectively passed into his hands, reinforcing the central role of the office in Iran’s political and financial system.