Reuters: Nobitex founders tied to family linked to Iran's Supreme Leader

ChainCatcher reports that a Reuters investigation found Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, was founded by members of the Kharrazi family, which has longstanding connections to the country's political establishment. Reuters said the exchange was set up by brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi, who previously used the surname "Aghamir" to obscure their ties to the Kharrazi family. The investigation cited historical links between the family and Iran's leadership, including associations with Ali Khamenei and his successors. Nobitex is said to have more than 11 million users and to dominate Iran's crypto market, remaining operational even during nationwide internet shutdowns as tensions rose between Iran, the U.S. and Israel. Analysts cited by Reuters estimated transaction volumes topped $100 million during wartime periods, with notable outflows moving overseas. Reuters also reported that several on-chain analytics firms flagged platform activity connected to sanctioned entities, with estimates ranging from $22 million to $366 million. Separately, data reviewed by Reuters indicates wallets associated with Iran's Central Bank moved hundreds of millions of dollars in crypto assets to Nobitex in 2025, allegedly to help bypass financial sanctions. Nobitex denied government affiliation and said illicit activity accounts for only a small share of its overall business.