An Iranian opposition figure exiled in France, Maryam Rajavi reportedly enjoys a lavish lifestyle, ranging from spas to five-star palaces, according to reports from Le Canard Enchaîné. Prosecutors in the Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France regions have been informed of money laundering.
This information will cause a stir among activists of the People’s Mujahideen Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). Le Canard Enchaîné reveals in its Wednesday edition the lavish lifestyle of Iranian opposition figure Maryam Rajavi, exiled in France. According to information from the web-footed bird, which Europe 1 can confirm, she and her inner circle spent €130,000 last year alone on thermal spas, spas, and five-star hotels.
Biarritz, Deauville, Evian, and Vichy… Since at least 2005, Maryam Rajavi has stayed in these upscale seaside resorts several times a year. She is systematically surrounded by around ten people.
The bills are paid in cash for astronomical amounts: €65,000 in December 2023 in a five-star hotel in Vichy, or €38,140 last spring in a palace in Biarritz.
Suspicions of money laundering
These proceeds could come from the PMOI. In any case, according to information from Europe 1, this is what the French justice system is currently investigating, since between December and last month, two reports under Article 40 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure for suspected money laundering were sent to prosecutors in the Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France regions. They concern front companies affiliated with the PMOI.
The movement was classified as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union between 1997 and 2013. It organizes an annual fundraising campaign for its activists and supporters. Last year alone, more than €7 million was reportedly raised.
William Molinié – europe1.fr
