In December 2013, Zanjani was detained on a charge of corruption, as he withheld more than $2 billion, while assisting the sanctioned Iranian government to sell its oil despite the international restrictions.
According to the Iranian Tabnak news website, Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei announced that Zanjani and two other defendants were guilty of fraud and economic crimes and condemned them to death.
Zanjani and his accomplices were also ordered to repay money they had embezzled.
Iran's oil trade has been restricted for years amid the international sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear program. In order to receive revenues from oil, Tehran tried to sell it through mediators, including Zanjani's companies.
In mid-January, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified Tehran’s compliance with the agreement on its nuclear program, which resulted in the removal of anti-Tehran international sanctions. The move makes it possible for Iran to reassume an active role on the global oil market.
