Hamidreza Bagheri Dermani is the third businessman to be executed since an anti-corruption drive was launched over the summer. Dermani, first arrested in August 2014, reportedly forged dozens of documents of fake real estate to acquire loans from state banks. He then used front companies to procure more than 300,000 tonnes of bitumen -- an oil-based substance used in asphalt and other products and one of Iran's most profitable businesses -- Mizan said. News of Dermani's execution was presented in dramatic fashion on state television on Saturday, with an action-movie soundtrack and full documentary about his crimes. The authorities have been keen to show they are cracking down on "economic disruptors" accused of exploiting shortages and fluctuations in gold and currency prices.

Source: The Nation Bangkok December 22, 2018 06:56 UTC