Basij Cooperative Foundation

Person/Entity:
Entity
Also Known As:
Bonyad Taavon Basij; Bonyad-eh Ta’avon-eh Basij; Fondation coopérative Basij; La Fundación Cooperativa Basij; Die Basij Cooperative Foundation
Sanctioned by U.S:
No
Sanctioned by EU:
Yes
Date Sanctioned by EU:
2022-11-14
Sanctioned by U.K.:
Yes
Date Sanctioned by U.K.:
2023-01-23
Sanctioned by Canada:
Yes
Date Sanctioned by Canada:
2022-10-03
Sanctioned by Australia:
Yes
Date Sanctioned by Australia:
2023-01-31
U.S Laws/EOs Sanctioned Under:
--
EU Laws/Regulations Sanctioned Under:
Decision 2011/235/CFSP and Regulation No 359/2011
U.K. Laws/Regulations Sanctioned Under:
Iran (Sanctions) (Human Rights) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
Canadian Laws/Regulations Sanctioned Under:
Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations
Australian Laws/Regulations Sanctioned Under:
Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons—Thematic Sanctions) Amendment (No. 1) Instrument 2023
Description

"A vast network of businesses providing financial support to the Basij Resistance Force (Basij), a paramilitary force subordinate to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)... [the network] is comprised of at least 20 corporations and financial institutions. The [Basij Cooperative Foundation] employs shell companies and other measures to mask Basij ownership and control over a variety of multibillion-dollar business interests in Iran’s automotive, mining, metals, and banking industries, many of which have significant international dealings across the Middle East and with Europe. In addition to providing social welfare services, including housing and financial support, to Basij members, [the Basij Cooperative Foundation] manages Basij members’ economic activities by funding small companies."1

"The Basij Cooperative Foundation (BCF) is one of the affiliates of the Basij Resistance Force (EU-listed). The BCF was established in 1996 and its mission includes promoting and supporting the Basij. The activities of the BCF include the funding of the Basij Resistance Force (EU-listed). Therefore, the BCF is associated with the Basij Resistance Force, an entity responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran."2


"There are reasonable grounds to suspect that the Basij Cooperative Foundation is an involved person under the Iran (Sanctions) (Human Rights) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 as it has been involved in serious human rights violations in Iran, including providing financial services, or making available funds or economic resources that have contributed to serious human rights violations in Iran. The Basij Cooperative Foundation is associated with the Basij Resistance Force, an organisation that is involved in the commission of serious human rights violations."3

NOTES:

Sanctioned by the U.S. under EO 13224, which "targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism," "for being owned or controlled by the Basij, and also for assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or financial or other services to or in support of, the Basij."4 

Sources:

1. https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm524

2. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022R2231&from=EN

3.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1130665/Notice_Iran__Human_Rights__230123.pdf

4. https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm524

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