Behind the "Crypto" Curtain.. "Nobitex" Platform and the Secret Network for Transferring Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Funds

Extensive journalistic investigations have revealed that one of Iran's most powerful families established the country's largest cryptocurrency trading platform, at a time when reports indicate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is using it to transfer millions of dollars outside the Western-sanctioned financial system.

According to an investigation by "Reuters", two brothers from the prestigious Kharazi family founded the "Nobitex" platform in 2018 using an alternative family surname.

The platform quickly transformed into a major hub in a parallel financial system used to move funds away from US restrictions, even during current periods of war.

A Platform with Millions of Users and Huge Transactions

Company data indicates that "Nobitex" manages transactions valued between tens and hundreds of millions of dollars, linked to sanctioned entities, including the Central Bank of Iran and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The platform also states that it serves approximately 11 million users, more than 10% of Iran's population, making it an essential part of the local economy amidst the collapse of the rial's value and high inflation.

Blockchain analysis reports confirm that the platform acts as a link between Iran and global cryptocurrency markets, and is used within a parallel financial system to transfer funds away from international oversight.

Sensitive Family and Political Connections

The platform's founders belong to the Kharazi family, considered one of the most influential families in Iran, with close ties to high-level ruling circles, including the Supreme Leader.

Investigations indicate that the family is connected by marriage to figures within the country's religious and political elite.

The two brothers, Ali and Mohammad Kharazi, founded the platform using the surname "Aghamir", an alternative name that appears in some official records, despite their belonging to the original family.

According to the investigation, the platform is estimated to handle approximately 70% of cryptocurrency transactions within Iran.

Accusations of Using the Platform for Sanctions Evasion

According to an analysis by specialized cryptocurrency tracking companies, such as "Crystal Intelligence", "Nobitex" is used to transfer funds linked to sanctioned entities, with indications of government funds passing through it. Several sources also spoke about the platform's use in transferring funds related to the Revolutionary Guard.

In response, the company vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that it is an "independent private company" and has no agreements with the Central Bank or the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and that any illegal activity occurs without its knowledge or consent.

Huge Figures and Continued Activity Despite the War

Despite sanctions and repeated internet outages during the war, "Nobitex" continued its operations, with data indicating it processed transactions exceeding 100 million dollars during the war period, approximately 20% of its usual activity.

Other data also shows that some wallets linked to the Central Bank of Iran purchased over 500 million dollars in cryptocurrencies between November 2024 and June 2025, while approximately 347 million dollars of these transfers are believed to have occurred via the platform during the first six months of 2025.

Estimates from various analysis companies indicate varying figures for illicit activities through the platform, ranging between 22 million dollars, 366 million dollars, and 68 million dollars; however, all confirm that these figures may be lower than reality and represent only a small percentage of the platform's total activity, which exceeds 11 billion dollars.

Security Pressures and Internal Conflicts

The company has been subjected to several security raids by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps since its establishment, including the interrogation of its former executive founder, confiscation of computers, and his temporary arrest without formal charges.

It also faced repeated restrictions from the Central Bank, which sometimes prevented it from accessing the local banking system.

By 2022, the platform announced it had reached 4.3 million users and 268 employees. During that period, the company expanded into the cryptocurrency market, benefiting from restrictions imposed on Iranians on global platforms.

Despite political crises and internal protests, the company continued to grow, even moving to a luxurious new headquarters in 2021 featuring recreational spaces and views of the Alborz Mountains.

The founders' use of alternative names sparked widespread controversy, especially with the discovery of their connection to the well-known Kharazi family. Investigations indicate that even some former employees were unaware of their true identities.

At the same time, the company asserts that the brothers did not conceal their identities, and that using an alternative name was part of their personal lives and not an attempt to mislead.

Role in the Parallel Economy

Experts believe that "Nobitex" has become part of a parallel financial structure that helps Iran circumvent international sanctions. Analysts say that the presence of millions of users makes it difficult to distinguish between individual transfers and state-related transactions.

One analyst confirms that "any significant economic activity within Iran cannot be completely separated from the state or its apparatuses."

"Nobitex" today appears as the largest cryptocurrency platform in Iran, combining widespread popular adoption with deep political and security controversy.

While the company denies any official affiliation with the government or the Revolutionary Guard, investigations indicate that it has become a pivotal player in a complex financial network used to bypass sanctions and move billions of dollars in and out of Iran.

Erem News