Hot Money: Agent of Chaos – Episode 6: "Ties with Tehran"

Release Date: December 19, 2023
Produced by Pushkin Industries & Financial Times

Introduction

In the sixth episode of Hot Money: Agent of Chaos, host Miles Johnson delves deep into the intricate web connecting European drug cartels, money laundering operations, and the shadowy ties to the Iranian government. This episode unravels a story that transcends typical financial fraud, shedding light on international espionage, arms trafficking, and geopolitical maneuverings.

Undercover Operations: Angel and John Post

The episode introduces listeners to Angel, an undercover DEA agent, and his seasoned colleague, John Post. Together, they have infiltrated some of the most dangerous organized crime groups globally. Their partnership is highlighted as one of the most decorated within the DEA, responsible for dismantling major criminal networks.

Notable Quote:

Angel [04:56]: "We offered them weapons and any type of weapon we could get from the military in South America. If you're looking for Russian weapons, you go to Venezuela; American weapons, you go to Colombia."

The Kinahan Connection and the Kobezi Case

A pivotal moment in the narrative is the 2008 sting operation targeting the Kinahan family in Panama. This Irish cartel was looking to source a massive shipment of cocaine, revealing their extensive reach and operational scale even before later developments.

Notable Quote:

John Post [14:46]: "We're pretty sure it was the Kinahans that we were introduced to. And they weren't blowing smoke. They were for real."

Iman Kabezi: A Nexus of Money Laundering and Arms Trafficking

The crux of the episode centers on Iman Kabezi, a Lebanese money launderer deeply entrenched in the European cocaine trade. Her professional demeanor masks her profound connections to the Iranian government and Hezbollah.

• Meeting with Kabezi: Angel cultivates a relationship with Kabezi over months, leading to a pivotal meeting where she reveals her true intentions.

• Arms Deal Proposal: Kabezi seeks Angel's assistance in sourcing high-end military equipment for the Iranian government, marking a significant escalation from mere money laundering to international arms trafficking.

Notable Quote:

Angel [21:23]: "Those spare commercial airline parts... they're unbelievably difficult to source for a country that's been under Western sanctions for decades."

Unveiling the Iranian Connection

Investigations uncover that Kabezi was closely associated with Abdullah Safi Al Din, a high-ranking official within Hezbollah and a key figure in Iran's sanction-busting schemes. This revelation ties the money laundering activities directly to the upper echelons of Iranian power.

• Expert Insight: Udi Levy, a retired Israeli spy and former head of Mossad's economic warfare division, confirms the gravity of Safi Al Din's role.

Notable Quote:

Udi Levy [31:42]: "Abdullah Safi Al Din is... the main connector between Iran and Hezbollah, very, very senior... directly involved in decision-making in Hezbollah."

The Assassination of Ali Muhammad and European Terrorism

The episode connects the dots between the financial operations of European cartels and high-profile assassinations orchestrated by the Iranian regime. Specifically, it references the 2015 targeted killing of Ali Muhammad in the Netherlands, a move requiring sophisticated intelligence and authorization from top Iranian officials.

Notable Quote:

Miles Johnson [34:56]: "Finding him and then assassinating him in the heart of Europe would have required high-level intelligence and authorization—someone at the top of the Iranian government."

Implications and Unanswered Questions

The intertwining of drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms deals with state-sponsored terrorism paints a concerning picture of global security. The disappearance of Iman Kabezi post-arrest raises questions about the lengths to which powerful entities will go to protect their interests.

Notable Quote:

Miles Johnson [35:58]: "I've found an indirect connection between one of the most powerful officials in Iran and drug traffickers in Europe. And this brings us right back to where we started this investigation—the long arm of Iran."

Conclusion

Episode 6 of Hot Money: Agent of Chaos masterfully navigates the complex interplay between international finance, organized crime, and geopolitical strategy. By exposing the clandestine operations that bridge European cartels and the Iranian government, Miles Johnson provides listeners with a chilling insight into the hidden mechanisms that influence global affairs.

Credits:
Written and reported by Miles Johnson. Series produced by Pushkin Industries and the Financial Times. Special thanks to Peggy Sutton, Edith Rousselot, Arthur Gompertz, Sarah Bruguerre, Jake Gorski, Jeremy Warmsley, Sarah Nix, Jacob Goldstein, and Cheryl Brumley.