Iran seizes exiled soccer star Ali Karimi's villa, assets over alleged Israel ties

Iran has seized the financial assets and several properties belonging to exiled Iranian soccer star Ali Karimi, citing alleged ties to Israel. The confiscations include a three-story villa and high-value mobile phone lines, according to an X/Twitter post by the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency.

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Iran seized the financial assets and several properties from Iranian soccer star Ali Karimi over his alleged ties to Israel.

Iran's judiciary stated that these measures are intended to "counter espionage and cooperation with Israel." This is not the first instance of the Iranian government seizing Karimi's property. Last month, Iran's Judiciary Media Center announced the seizure of two commercial units and four residential buildings belonging to the football player under a judicial order for "utilization for the public benefit."

Karimi, Iran's former national team captain, has a history of openly defying the Islamic regime. Living in exile in the United States, he has become a significant voice in anti-regime protests, particularly since 2022. He has used social media to criticize the government and express support for anti-government protestors.

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these measures were done in an effort to "counter espionage and cooperation with Israel."

The substantial number of followers Karimi commands is a concern for the IRGC, which has reportedly targeted him for extradition back to Iran after his public criticism of the government. He continues to be an active political activist, frequently speaking at anti-regime rallies and diaspora demonstrations.

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two commercial units and four residential buildings belonging to the football player were seized by judicial order for "utilization for the public benefit."