Hejbar Yazdani: The Untold Story of Iran’s Pre-Revolution Business Magnate, Known as “Mr. 13”

Yazdani’s Involvement in the Meat Industry

Yazdani’s control wasn’t limited to banking; he also played a significant role in Iran’s meat industry. After being urged by the Prime Minister to leave the banking sector alone, Yazdani turned his attention to meat production and distribution. This was a strategic move, as controlling the supply of meat in Iran gave him even more economic power, particularly over a vital commodity. His growing influence in the meat market earned him additional wealth, solidifying his status as one of the most affluent figures in Iran before the revolution.

The 1979 Revolution and Yazdani’s Escape

When the 1979 Iranian Revolution erupted, the political and social landscape of Iran changed dramatically. Many of the elite business figures, including Yazdani, were targeted by the new regime for their connections to the Shah’s government and their involvement in corrupt practices. Yazdani was arrested by the revolutionary authorities and imprisoned in Qasr Prison. However, his time behind bars was far from ordinary. According to Yazdani himself, his prison conditions were luxurious, describing his incarceration as more akin to living like a king rather than a prisoner.

During the chaos of the revolution, Yazdani’s powerful connections came to his aid once again. With the help of a high-ranking Timsar (military officer) and several others, Yazdani was able to escape from prison when they broke through the prison walls with a car. He initially went into hiding in Sangsar before fleeing Iran with a fake passport. From Iran, Yazdani first traveled to the United States and later settled in Costa Rica, where he would spend the remaining years of his life.

December 30, 2022 | 9:13 pm