ADVERTISEMENT

Turkish-Iranian gold dealer a US government witness in sanctions trial

Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab will testify for the prosecution in a potentially explosive sanctions-busting trial that opened in New York on Tuesday amid inflamed US relations with Ankara, a federal prosecutor said.

The prosecutor, David Denton, made it clear that Zarrab would be the star witness as the government lays out its case against Turkish banker Mehmet Hakan Atilla, accused of violating sanctions against Iran, bribery and money laundering.

"You will hear it from the inside, from Reza Zarrab. He has pleaded guilty to violating US laws and he has decided to cooperate with the government," Denton told the jury.

The case has angered Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government alleges that the charges are the product of a conspiracy led by US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.

ADVERTISEMENT

On Tuesday, Turkish authorities were reported to have issued arrest warrants for two individuals who appeared on the witness list in the New York case, accusing them of providing "fake reports" to US prosecutors.

Zarrab, a 34-year-old gold dealer who was arrested in 2016 during a trip to Disney World, is alleged to have been at the center of a gold-for-oil operation that Washington alleges violated US sanctions.

Atilla, 49, is the sole defendant, but analysts believe revelations in the trial could implicate Turks close to Erdogan.

Denton suggested to jurors that Zarrab's testimony would shed light on a corruption case implicating top officials that Ankara has sought to smother since 2013.

He was held for more than two months in Turkey along with dozens of other politically connected figures in a case that Erdogan also saw as a bid by Gulen to bring him down.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT