{"id":326031,"date":"2024-11-23T17:32:45","date_gmt":"2024-11-23T16:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=326031"},"modified":"2024-11-23T17:32:45","modified_gmt":"2024-11-23T16:32:45","slug":"iran-protests-20000-rally-in-qazvin-over-state-linked-rezayat-khodro-fraud-scandal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-protests\/iran-protests-20000-rally-in-qazvin-over-state-linked-rezayat-khodro-fraud-scandal\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran Protests: 20,000 Rally in Qazvin Over State-Linked Rezayat Khodro Fraud Scandal"},"content":{"rendered":"

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On November 23, a significant protest erupted in Qazvin, drawing over 20,000 defrauded investors of the “Rezayat Khodro Taravat Novin” company. The company, which reportedly holds investments from 40,000 individuals across 13 provinces, has faced widespread accusations of fraud, with 28,000 official complaints filed against it.<\/p>\n

The company\u2019s primary defendant, Mohammad Reza Ghaffari, a known member of the IRGC, is accused of embezzling funds from customers who paid for vehicles that were never delivered. Ghaffari leveraged his connections with influential figures, including MPs, judiciary officials, and clerics, to protect himself and stall legal proceedings.<\/p>\n

According to Judge Abdolkarim Kalhor<\/a>, who is presiding over the case, the dossier comprises 100 volumes of evidence, with assets such as factories, cold storage facilities, vehicles, and residential properties in Qazvin, Takestan, and Tehran identified and seized.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe identified assets will soon be auctioned, and the proceeds will be distributed to investors after valuations are completed,\u201d Kalhor claimed. He added that efforts are underway to locate additional overseas properties connected to the case.<\/p>\n

The first public hearing for the case was held at the Qazvin Department of Endowments and Charity Affairs. Simultaneously, investors gathered outside, demanding swift action. Their chants of “Our tables are empty\u2014no more hollow promises!” highlighted the urgency of their financial plight.<\/p>\n

Security forces, including special anti-riot units, were dispatched to the protest, reflecting authorities’ concern over the scale and intensity of the unrest. While the demonstration remained largely peaceful, past protests linked to this case in Tehran were marred by clashes with security forces, resulting in arrests and injuries.<\/p>\n

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More footage of the protest rally by the creditors of Rezayat Khodro carmaker in Qazvin.#IranProtests<\/a> #Iran<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/aDOo1eUacq<\/a><\/p>\n

— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 23, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n