US Treasury Sanctions Support Network for Mahan Air: Involving Chinese Logistics Companies and Individuals

US Treasury Sanctions Support Network for Mahan Air: Involving Chinese Logistics Companies and Individuals

The US Department of the Treasury has announced sanctions against a multinational network supporting Iran's Mahan Air, including Chinese logistics companies, travel agencies, and individuals such as Tang Xin.

On July 30, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against multiple entities and individuals from China, India, Russia, and Iran for providing commercial, logistical, or sales support to Mahan Air, which has been sanctioned by the US and EU. The Treasury Department stated that Mahan Air has long facilitated activities related to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Chinese Entities Involved

According to the Treasury Department, Shanghai Wings International Logistics Co, based in China, acted as a general agent for Mahan Air and coordinated the transportation of electronic products from China to Iran. The Treasury Department also stated that Tang Xin served as the company's managing director and coordinated travel-related matters for Mahan Air.

Related Companies

The announcement stated that Tang Xin is also the executive director and 50% owner of Shanghai Elite International Travel Co, which represents Mahan Air in China. OFAC designated Shanghai Wings, Tang Xin, India's Skiez Travels, and Russia's Air Cargo Pro for sanctions due to their support for Mahan Air; Shanghai Elite was also designated due to its ownership, control, or representation by Tang Xin.

Basis and Consequences of Sanctions

OFAC stated that the action was taken under the revised Executive Order 13224, targeting terrorist organizations and their supporters. The designated entities' assets and property interests within the US or under US control must be frozen and reported; US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with the sanctioned entities.

Fact-Checking Boundary

The Treasury Department's sanctions are administrative measures and do not equate to a court's criminal conviction. Relevant actions and responsibilities should be based on OFAC announcements, sanction entries, and subsequent judicial or regulatory documents. This case highlights the risk of commercial and logistical nodes within China being involved in Iran's sanctioned aviation network.