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US Seizes Websites of Iranian Companies Involved in Brokering Fuel Shipments to Venezuela

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States has seized three websites of Iranian companies involved in fuel shipments to Venezuela, the US Department of Justice said in a statement on Friday.
Sputnik

"The Justice Department today announced the seizure of three websites used by three front companies: Mobin International, Sohar Fuel, and Oman Fuel, who arranged a multimillion-dollar fuel shipment by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a designated foreign terrorist organization, that was bound for Venezuela," the statement said.

All three websites now show a picture with a displayed US flag and notice that the domain has been seized and is under control of the US government.

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On August 14, the US authorities announced the seizure of more than 1 million barrels of Iranian oil from four vessels named Bering, Bella, Pandi and Luna. The shipment had been linked to Venezuela, the authorities said.

The Justice Department alleged in a forfeiture complaint that Iranian businessman Mohammad Madanipour - allegedly linked to the IRGC - used a web of front companies, including Mobin International to perpetuate the oil scheme.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said in mid-August that seized fuel belonged to Venezuela, not Iran.

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