Canada is known globally for its commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Yet for years, members of the Iranian-Canadian community have raised serious concerns that individuals accused and convicted of large-scale corruption in Iran have been able to settle in Canada and benefit from the protection of its legal and financial systems.

Since 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has subjected its people to systematic repression, executions, and widespread corruption, devastating countless families. While ordinary Iranians have suffered, some powerful individuals alleged to have stolen vast sums from the public have fled abroad and rebuilt comfortable lives. Their presence in Canada raises urgent questions about accountability, financial integrity, and equal application of the law.

Mahmoud Reza Khavari

Mahmoud Reza Khavari, a former senior Iranian banker, fled Iran in 2011 following the exposure of a major financial fraud estimated at approximately $2.6 billion. In 2017, he was reportedly sentenced in absentia in Iran to a lengthy prison term, and his case has been repeatedly raised by Iranian-Canadian organizations and community members with successive Canadian governments. Despite these long-standing concerns, no public explanation has ever been provided regarding what actions, if any, Canadian authorities have taken in response.

Marjan Sheikholeslami Aleagha

More recently, reports have emerged that Marjan Sheikholeslami Aleagha, who has been indicted in Iran in connection with a very large corruption case, has relocated to Canada. It is reported that she has invested in properties and business ventures using wealth alleged to be derived from corruption. These reports have further alarmed the Iranian-Canadian community and reinforced fears that Canada may be vulnerable to becoming a destination for the proceeds of foreign corruption.

A Double Standard That Harms the Community
While individuals accused of massive financial crimes appear able to move capital and establish themselves in Canada, many ordinary Iranian-Canadians have faced heightened scrutiny, immigration delays, and banking restrictions solely because of their nationality. Iranian students and families have seen accounts frozen or closed over negligible sums, while allegations of large-scale corruption appear to go unanswered. This double standard unfairly stigmatizes an entire community while allowing alleged perpetrators to evade scrutiny.

Our Call to the Government of Canada
We, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to act decisively and transparently. Specifically, we urge the government to:

1. Initiate or publicly confirm a coordinated review of the cases of Mahmoud Reza Khavari and Marjan Sheikholeslami Aleagha by the appropriate Canadian authorities, including the RCMP, FINTRAC, CBSA, and the CRA.
2. Investigate whether assets held in Canada by these individuals constitute proceeds of corruption or money laundering under Canadian law.
3. Apply all available legal tools, including anti-money-laundering legislation, proceeds-of-crime provisions, immigration law, and—where appropriate—targeted sanctions mechanisms.
4. Provide public accountability by disclosing, to the extent permitted by law, what steps have been taken in response to these long-standing concerns.
   
   
   

Why This Matters

This issue is not about politics or nationality. It is about protecting the integrity of Canada’s financial, legal, and immigration systems and ensuring that our country does not become a refuge for illicit wealth. Allowing alleged proceeds of corruption to circulate freely in Canada undermines public trust and harms law-abiding communities.

By signing this petition, you stand for justice, transparency, and equal treatment under the law. Canada must remain a country where accountability prevails—and where those who enrich themselves through corruption cannot escape scrutiny simply by crossing borders.

Please sign and share this petition to demand action and uphold justice.