Non-profit front for Iran, U.S. says

NEW YORK, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- A non-profit organization aimed at promoting Persian philanthropic causes is a front for the government of Iran, the U.S. government says in a lawsuit.

Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the filing of an amended civil complaint seeking forfeiture of a Manhattan office tower used by the Alavi Foundation.

"For two decades, the Alavi Foundation's affairs have been directed by various Iranian officials, including Iranian ambassadors to the United Nations, in violation of a series of American laws," said Bharara.

In a previous filing, the government moved to seize the 40 percent stake of the Assa Corp., an alleged front for Iran's Bank Meli. Washington suspects the bank is funneling money to Tehran to support a nuclear weapon program in Iran.

The latest filings allege the properties were involved in money-laundering offenses and accuse the owners of violating U.S. Treasury Department regulations on economic dealings with Iran.

The Alavi Foundation describes itself as a non-profit organization promoting charitable and philanthropic causes in the United States that promote Islamic culture and Persian language, literature and civilization.

Bharara, however, said the organization is laundering money to Tehran.

"As today's complaint alleges in great detail, the Alavi Foundation has effectively been a front for the government of Iran," Bharara said.

The buildings listed in the complaint remain open and will continue to operate as before, the government said.