Iran blocks over 9,000 bank accounts over suspicious activities

By Ahmet Dursun

ANKARA (AA) – Iran has blocked more than 9,000 bank accounts on Saturday over suspicious and illegal foreign currency and cryptocurrency activities, according to officials.

A total of 9,219 bank accounts belonging to 545 individuals were blocked, according to a statement by the Ministry of Intelligence.

The volume of the accounts was approximately 60 trillion Iranian tomans ($1.98 billion) based on the free-market exchange rate.

The move was part of a recent plan to fight against unauthorized foreign currency transactions, which is held in coordination with the central bank.

* Writing by Ovunc Kutlu in Ankara