Top 11 High-Profile Political Arrests and Corruption Cases Since the Revolution

10. The Case of Shabnam Nematzadeh: From Hijab to Changing Last Name
The corruption case involving Shabnam Nematzadeh, daughter of former Minister of Industry Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, became one of the most widely covered scandals in recent years. In September 2019, she was arrested on charges of monopolizing medicine and acquiring wealth through illegitimate means. This case cast a shadow over her father’s political reputation and drew intense media attention.

According to the spokesperson for the State Penal Organization, Shabnam Nematzadeh faced two major cases involving assets worth approximately 1.2 billion to 5 billion tomans. One notable incident was the destruction of all medicines stored in her warehouse at her own expense, highlighting the severity of the allegations.

Throughout court proceedings, Shabnam maintained a composed demeanor, always observing hijab and veiling herself. She responded to the judge with remarkable calmness, saying, “Observe your hijab in a way that we can speak and hear each other clearly, and understand what you are saying.” Her conduct attracted both admiration and criticism, fueling debates about social and political expectations.

Another controversial aspect of her case was the demolition of her villa in Lavasan, which spanned over a thousand square meters. This move was widely discussed as part of the government’s crackdown on corruption and illegal properties.

Adding a personal dimension to the case, Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh stated that his daughter had called him and expressed her frustration, saying, “I’m tired of being Nematzadeh. I want to change my last name.” This statement underscored the social pressures and the stigma associated with the scandal, reflecting the complex interplay between politics, family reputation, and personal identity.

June 10, 2025 | 9:47 pm