Justice Department Sues for Ownership of $15 Million Seized From Iranian Oil Tycoon

The well-connected Iranian, Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, is alleged to operate a network of businesses evading U.S. sanctions.

The U.S. Department of Justice in Washington on Jan. 6, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed two lawsuits on March 6 in federal court, seeking forfeiture of more than $15.3 million that was allegedly used to finance the illicit distribution of sanctioned Iranian oil.

The lawsuits come after the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iran on Feb. 28 that led to the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The military effort is ongoing.