Iran Seizes Assets of Exiled Soccer Star Ali Karimi Over Alleged Israel Ties
Iran's judiciary confiscated a villa and financial assets belonging to exiled soccer star Ali Karimi, citing alleged ties to Israel and espionage cooperation. Karimi, Iran's former national team captain, has been living in the United States and became a prominent voice in anti-regime protests since 2022. The seizure is part of a pattern of asset confiscations targeting the activist, reflecting the Iranian government's efforts to suppress dissent among influential figures.
Iran's judiciary seized multiple assets from exiled soccer star Ali Karimi, including a three-story villa in Lahijan covering over 1,000 square meters and high-value mobile phone lines, according to reports from IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency and Iran Wire. The government justified the confiscations as measures to "counter espionage and cooperation with Israel." This marks the second major seizure in recent months; the judiciary previously confiscated two commercial units and four residential buildings from Karimi in May 2026. Karimi, Iran's former national team captain, has been living in exile in the United States since becoming a vocal critic of the Islamic regime, using social media to support anti-government protesters and speaking at diaspora demonstrations. The IRGC has reportedly targeted him for extradition and views his substantial social media following as a security concern.
What different sources said
- The Jerusalem PostRight
Iran seizes exiled soccer star Ali Karimi's villa, assets over alleged Israel ties
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