ICIJ Investigation Reveals Sanctions Evasion Network Processing Billions for Iran and…
What happened
An investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealed a vast payment network run by Ilan Shor. This network, A7, processes funds for sanctioned entities, including Russia, Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Hamas. Between November 2024 and July 2025, the company processed at least 283 tons of Russian banknotes, valued at over $14 billion.
From ynetnews.com
Why it matters
The network, which includes a 49% stake from Promsvyazbank, a sanctioned Russian state-owned bank, demonstrates mechanisms used to maintain international financial transactions despite Western sanctions. This comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls for Israel to prepare an economy capable of operating around international sanctions.
From ynetnews.com
Who's involved
- Ilan ShorRuns the vast Russian payment network, A7, which processes funds for sanctioned groups.
- IranIs one of the sanctioned entities served by the payment network.
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsIs one of the sanctioned military organizations served by the payment network.
- HamasIs one of the sanctioned political and military organizations served by the payment network.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- HamasSpeculative
Hamas could face exposure of its core funding mechanisms via the sanctioned payment network.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel (born 1949), (1996–1999; 2009–2021; 2022–present)
- Shin Bet investigated links between Qatar and Netanyahu's aides, while Netanyahu's political language was noted to resemble Donald Trump's.
- Political figures, including Donald Trump and Marco Rubio, are pressuring Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the intensified military action against Hezbollah and the challenges to US-Iran peace efforts.
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Hamas
Palestinian Islamist political and military organization
Related events
- Allegations surface that Qatar was involved in financial flows with Hamas and may have concealed information regarding the Oct 7 massacre.
- Netanyahu directs IDF on counterterrorism operations, including the arrest of suspects linked to Hamas, following recent terrorist attacks.
- IDF and Shin Bet are investigating attacks in the West Bank, targeting Hamas affiliated operatives.
- IDF forces conducted operations in Gaza while Israel faced a genocide charge from Hamas and Hamas invested in infrastructure.
- Netanyahu plans major military operations and intends to wage war with Iran, while also planning to circumvent sanctions.