Published June 19, 2026, 3:39 p.m. EDT
Investigators examine global investment empire linked to Tehran’s leadership The Justice Department is investigating transactions related to a business network linked to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was allegedly exposed to major US financial institutions, according to a Bloomberg News report.
Bloomberg reported that federal investigators were examining how companies linked to Khamenei built a global investment portfolio with transactions involving Wall Street businesses, including JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup.
The reported investigation is part of a broader Justice Department investigation into allegations of money laundering and corruption involving entities linked to Khamenei, according to Bloomberg, which cited people familiar with the matter.
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JPMorgan Chase headquarters in New York. Federal investigators are reportedly examining transactions linked to a business network linked to Iran’s supreme leader and involving major U.S. financial institutions. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images / Getty Images)
JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ requests for comment.
Investigators are looking into the role that U.S. financial institutions may have played in processing or facilitating transactions linked to the network, although Bloomberg reported that the investigation does not necessarily mean charges will be filed.
The reported investigation comes as the Trump administration has stepped up pressure on Iran and sought to crack down on sanctions evasion and illicit financial activities linked to Tehran and its leaders.
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Citigroup headquarters in New York. The bank was named in a report on a Justice Department investigation examining transactions related to a business network linked to Iran’s supreme leader. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg / Getty Images)
The investigation could call into question how large financial institutions identify and monitor potentially sanctioned entities operating through complex international ownership structures and investment vehicles, a long-standing challenge for global banks and regulators.
Bloomberg reported that investigators are primarily focusing on Khamenei and the network of businesses linked to him rather than the banks themselves.
Teleprinter Security Last Change Change % JPM JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. 325.22 -8.24 -2.47% C CITIGROUP INC. 143.06 -0.72 -0.50% GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike. As Iran’s highest authority, he has the final say on major state decisions, including foreign policy and the country’s nuclear program.
The reported investigation comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, as the administration continues to increase economic and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian regime.
