Examination of structural corruption claims in the Ministry of Oil and its affiliated networks
According to the Iran Gate Agency, in recent weeks, Saeed Aghanj, editor-in-chief of Iran Gate News Agency and an anti-corruption journalist, has published investigative reports on corruption rings in the Ministry of Oil. This report, relying on these reports, is being published exclusively and for the first time. Currently, one of the main axes of criticism regarding the current crisis in the energy sector is directed at the management performance in the Ministry of Oil and its affiliated networks. Based on the information and claims presented, Paknejad, the Minister of Oil, and some close associates are accused of forming an organized network of corruption and favoritism.
Controversial appointments and the chain of influence
In the cases raised regarding corruption in the Ministry of Oil, the name Amin Nasirirad is mentioned as one of the links in the network attributed to Hamidreza Saqafi. According to this information, Nasirirad, without having relevant management expertise, was transferred from Petroiran Company to the Petropars Operation and Management Company and appointed as CEO. This appointment, according to claims, was not based on professional merit but with direct support from Hamidreza Saqafi and in line with completing a chain of influence and mediation.
Meanwhile, Nasirirad previously worked as a junior logistics expert at Petroiran, and his sudden promotion to CEO of one of the most important subsidiaries of Petropars has raised serious questions about the appointment mechanisms in this organization.
Supervisory intervention history and controversial return
According to available information, Amin Nasirirad was dismissed in 2021 due to a corruption case by the inspection and security of Petroiran and was expelled for a year. However, according to claims, he was reinstated with the same managerial position through mediation by Hamidreza Saqafi. This event reinforces the suspicion of the ineffectiveness of supervisory mechanisms and the influence of power networks.
Transfer of corruption benefits abroad
In continuation of this chain, information about Amir Ali Saqafi, son of Hamidreza Saqafi, has been raised. According to these reports, he managed to obtain Canadian residency using financial resources from bribes and favoritism in oil projects accumulated abroad. This issue is described as a clear example of converting domestic corruption into residency security, foreign investment, and immunity for the dependents of managers.
Additionally, complementary rings in countries like Spain and Canada are mentioned as parts of this financial and communicative network, which require independent and transparent investigation and follow-up.
All these claims paint a worrying picture of structural corruption, favoritism appointments, and the transfer of public benefits abroad. If true, this process not only leads to the weakening of public trust and the inefficiency of key institutions but also has deep social consequences. The main demand of public opinion is transparency, accountability of officials, strengthening independent supervisory bodies, and non-discriminatory confrontation with economic corruption, as the final cost of this corruption cycle is directly paid from the life and future of society.