Justice Department Recovers $318M from Iran's Hidden Asset

0:00On March 25, the Justice Department just announced a major win, recovering $318 million from the sale of a key building on 5th Avenue in New York City. Prosecutors proved the property was secretly run by Iran's bank Mellie for years, dodging U.S. sanctions. That money now goes to victims and families hit by attacks like the 1980s Bay Root Bomings, the September 11th attacks and strikes by Iranian backgroups on civilians, including Americans. The building dates back to a foundation tied to Iran's former Shah before the 1979 revolution. After that, the new government took it over and hid bank Mellie's control through front companies in the Isle of Man in New York. High-level Iranian officials, including from the Central Bank and President's office, said it all up in the 1980s. Victims groups have pushed hard for justice and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York called it a testament to their commitment. And Israeli lawyer involved praised it as a smart way to hit Iran's wallet through

1:01the courts, noting how fiercely the regime fought the case all the way to the Supreme Court. Legal action started back in 2008, with efforts to seize the building. Settlements came in 2014 and 2017, leading to judgments against the front companies. This January, everyone agreed to a deal. An up-front $129 million already paid on March 20th plus $100, $89 million more over three years with interest. This recovery shows how persisting court battles can deliver real relief to terror victims while targeting hidden regime assets right here in the U.S.