Iran Oil Tycoon ‘Hector’ Plays Key Role in Arms Sales to Russia
Hossein Shamkhani, whose father is a senior figure in Tehran, has emerged as a major player in the supply of Iranian arms to Russia, according to US officials and people familiar with his dealings.
An Iranian oil tycoon who’s managed to quietly embed himself in the heart of the Western financial system is among a cadre of businessmen handling weapons deliveries across the Caspian Sea to Russia, helping Moscow in its war in Ukraine.
Hossein Shamkhani, through a web of firms he oversees that include Dubai-based Crios Shipping LLC, began moving missiles, drone components and dual-use goods across the Caspian Sea on at least two ships last year, according to more than a dozen US, UK and European officials as well as people with direct knowledge of his dealings. They spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information.