Babak Zanjani is one of Iran’s most controversial and once-wealthiest businessmen, known for his involvement in high-level oil dealings and financial operations during Iran’s period of heavy sanctions. With a history that includes both vast wealth and a fall from grace, many people often ask, “What is Babak Zanjani net worth in 2025?” or “How rich is he now after the embezzlement scandal and his prison sentence?”
This article offers a full guide to Babak Zanjani's net worth in 2025, including his assets in dollars, properties seized or retained, personal biography, and how he made and lost his fortune.
Who Is Babak Zanjani?
Babak Zanjani is an Iranian businessman, investor, and former billionaire from Tehran, Iran. Born on March 12, 1974, Zanjani rose to prominence as the head of the Sorinet Group, a multi-sector conglomerate with interests in finance, oil, construction, transportation, and hospitality.
He became known globally for allegedly helping Iran bypass Western oil sanctions during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency by acting as an intermediary in oil sales. For a time, Zanjani claimed to be worth over $13.5 billion USD, making him one of the richest men in Iran.
However, his business empire came crashing down in 2013 when he was arrested and accused of embezzling $2.7 billion in oil revenues. He was sentenced to death in 2016, but his sentence was commuted in 2024 after partial repayment of funds.
What Is Babak Zanjani Net Worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Babak Zanjani’s estimated net worth is $500,000 USD, a dramatic fall from his peak billionaire status. Most of his assets were frozen or seized by the Iranian government following his conviction.
Though he no longer holds public positions of financial power, it is believed he still retains minor interests in some local Iranian companies, likely under government supervision.
Babak Zanjani Net Worth in USD
In 2025, Babak Zanjani’s net worth is estimated at:
$500,000 USD
(Former peak wealth: Estimated over $13.5 billion USD in 2012–2013)
This figure includes:
Small private assets not seized by authorities
Minor ownerships in Iranian businesses
Remaining liquid funds from undisclosed holdings
His financial downfall was caused by:
Arrest for embezzlement and corruption
Government seizure of local and foreign properties
International sanctions and blacklisting
Legal fees and mandatory repayments to the Iranian oil ministry
Biography of Babak Zanjani
Full Name: Babak Zanjani
Date of Birth: March 12, 1974
Place of Birth: Tehran, Iran
Profession: Businessman, Former Oil Trader
Nationality: Iranian
Known For: Sanctions-busting oil trade during Iran's embargo years
Peak Wealth: Over $13.5 billion (2012)
Religion: Islam
Legal Status: Serving a 20-year prison sentence (commuted from death sentence in 2024)
Babak Zanjani’s rapid rise and fall is a symbol of both business ambition and political controversy in modern Iran.
Babak Zanjani’s House and Properties
Before his arrest, Babak Zanjani owned luxurious properties in Iran, Turkey, the UAE, and Malaysia. These included:
High-end real estate in Tehran’s upscale districts
Villas and apartments in Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur
Business offices in Dubai and Tajikistan
However, most of his assets were confiscated by the Iranian judiciary. It is unknown whether any personal property remains in his name as of 2025.
Babak Zanjani Car Collection
Before his legal troubles, Zanjani was known for a luxury lifestyle that included a fleet of expensive vehicles. Some of the vehicles previously linked to him include:
Rolls Royce Phantom
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
BMW 7 Series
Porsche Cayenne
Private jet (reportedly leased, not owned)
These assets were largely auctioned off or impounded by the state.
How Did Babak Zanjani Make His Money?
Here’s how Babak Zanjani amassed his fortune before his downfall:
Oil Transactions During Sanctions
Zanjani was allegedly the middleman for billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil during the peak of international sanctions. He was trusted to receive and transfer oil revenue abroad — a role that later led to accusations of misappropriating funds.
Sorinet Group Holdings
His Sorinet Group spanned industries such as hospitality, aviation (including Qeshm Airlines), cosmetics, banking, and construction.
International Shell Companies
He reportedly managed dozens of offshore companies across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East to route money and investments.
Babak Zanjani’s Lifestyle and Family Life
Little is known about Zanjani’s private family life. He is not known to have been publicly married or involved in social activities. His lifestyle before arrest was luxurious but highly secretive.
Now, his lifestyle is defined by:
Restricted movement due to imprisonment
Legal monitoring and limited communication
Occasional public mentions through court updates and asset recovery reports
Challenges and Legal Issues
Babak Zanjani’s biggest challenge came in 2013 when he was arrested by Iranian authorities. The charges included:
Embezzlement of over $2.7 billion in oil funds
Money laundering
Corruption and fraud
He was sentenced to death in 2016, but in April 2024, the Iranian judiciary commuted his sentence to 20 years in prison after he helped recover a significant portion of the embezzled funds.
He remains in prison as of 2025.
What’s Next for Babak Zanjani’s Net Worth?
Zanjani’s financial future is uncertain. While he is no longer a billionaire or high-level financier, it is believed he may still have undisclosed holdings or shares through proxies in Iran.
His future net worth could increase if:
More hidden assets are legalized or returned
He is released early due to cooperation
His connections or reputation are rehabilitated after prison
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Babak Zanjani net worth in 2025?
Approximately $500,000 USD, a steep decline from his billionaire status.
2. How did Babak Zanjani make his money?
Through oil trading during sanctions, Sorinet Group investments, and financial dealings via international companies.
3. Was Babak Zanjani sentenced to death?
Yes, in 2016. His sentence was commuted to 20 years in prison in 2024 after asset recovery efforts.
4. What happened to Babak Zanjani’s businesses?
Most were seized or dissolved by the Iranian government; some local operations may remain under state control.
5. Does Babak Zanjani still have assets?
Possibly a few minor or undisclosed assets; most of his fortune has been seized or liquidated.
Conclusion
In summary, Babak Zanjani’s net worth in 2025 is a fraction of what it once was. From being a symbol of wealth and political power in Iran to a convicted businessman behind bars, his story is one of meteoric rise and dramatic downfall. Though his influence and financial clout are gone, the legacy of his business dealings and the controversies they sparked still linger in Iranian economic and political history.