The New York-based Alavi Foundation is a high-profile organization that claims to be a non-profit devoted to promoting Islam and the Persian language, and has even reportedly made donations to former President Bill Clinton’s foundation. But it has been under FBI suspicion for years over alleged ties with Iran.
Federal prosecutors say the foundation is merely a front for the Iranian government and transfers rental income from its properties to Iran’s Bank Melli, which was first subject to US sanctions in 2007 for alleged support of Iran’s nuclear program.
This article explores what is known about Iran’s Alavi Foundation, shedding light on why federal authorities seized 4 US mosques—all Alavi property—as part of its investigation of the organization.
