Two prominent London estate agencies, Sotheby's and Knight Frank, are marketing properties linked to Iranian businessman Ali Ansari. Ansari, who reportedly lives in Dubai, is described as a "key financier" for Mojtaba Khamenei.
Sotheby's and Knight Frank are handling the sale of a five-bedroom penthouse, currently listed for £12m. This property, located at 3a Palace Green, occupies the sixth and seventh floors and includes private staff accommodation and a roof terrace overlooking Kensington Palace.
The UK and US have imposed sanctions on Ansari for allegedly bankrolling Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The UK Government allowed the properties to be put on the market after Ansari defaulted on the mortgages, according to The Sunday Times. Any remaining proceeds are expected to be frozen while sanctions continue.
Land Registry documents indicate Ansari acquired two properties for almost £36m in 2014 and 2016. The second property, bought for £16.75m in 2014, is also in receivership, with international financial advisory firm Teneo named as the receiver. Its current asking price is unknown.