Inside the Luxury Villa of Rahimi Darabad, the First-Degree Defendant in the Chai Dabesh Case

Chapter 16: Best Practices and Recommendations for Iran

Drawing from these international experiences, here are tailored recommendations for Iran to enhance its anti-corruption and asset recovery efforts:

1. Enact Comprehensive Asset Declaration Laws

Require all public officials, including those in local governments and state-owned enterprises, to declare assets regularly, with disclosures made publicly accessible.

2. Establish an Independent Anti-Corruption Agency

Create a specialized, autonomous body tasked with investigating corruption, overseeing asset declarations, and coordinating with international partners.

3. Strengthen Legal Frameworks for Asset Tracing and Repatriation

Update laws to facilitate the seizure, freezing, and repatriation of illicit assets, including real estate, bank accounts, and offshore holdings.

4. Improve Property Registration Systems

Implement a centralized, digital property registry that records ownership transparently, reducing opportunities for illicit concealment.

5. Foster International Cooperation

Sign and implement agreements aligned with the UNCAC and FATF standards, enabling cross-border asset recovery and information sharing.

6. Promote Civil Society and Media Engagement

Support investigative journalism and civic oversight mechanisms that scrutinize public officials and expose corruption.

7. Implement Public Awareness Campaigns

Educate citizens about the harms of corruption and the importance of transparency to build societal resilience against illicit practices.