U.S. seeks forfeiture from Iran foundation

NEW YORK, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department moved Thursday to seize assets owned by two entities with ties to Iran, including a 36-story Manhattan office building.

Federal prosecutors in New York had already filed a forfeiture complaint in 2008 seeking Assa Corp.'s share of 650 Fifth Avenue Co. In an amended complaint Thursday, they added the Alavi Foundation's share of the partnership, formed to own the building.

The department also began actions against property in Maryland, Virginia, Texas and California, CNN reported. The targets include three mosques and land in the Virginia suburbs of Washington.

The complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York alleges the Alavi Foundation laundered money for the Iranian government. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said the Alavi Foundation is a successor to the Pahlavi Foundation, which was founded by the Shah and taken over by the current government.

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