Canada imposes new sanctions on Iranian businessmen involved in tech procurement for war effort

Canada is imposing more sanctions against five individuals and four entities involved in the Iranian war effort.

The measures are part of Canada’s ongoing actions to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities, the federal department of Global Affairs said in a statement issued on Thursday morning.

The sanctions target Iranian businessmen and companies directly involved in procuring technology in support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

“The transfer by the Islamic Republic of Iran of arms, drones and technology to … Iran’s proxy networks and Russia for use in its war … against Ukraine (is fuelling international) armed conflict,” says Global Affairs.

The newly listed individuals include: Ehsan Imaninejad, CEO of Saad Sazah Faraz Sharif; Hadi Zahourian, CEO of Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia; Mohammad Shahab Khanian, deputy CEO of Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia; Ehsan Rahat Varnosfadrani, chief scientist and former CEO of Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia; and Rahmatollah Heidari, managing director and member of the board of directors of Baharestan Kish Company.

The newly listed entities includes Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia (also known as Shakad Sanat Asmari), which is involved in development and manufacturing of components for Iran’s Shahed series drones.

Saad Sazah Faraz Sharif (also known as Sadid Sazeh Parvaz Sharif and Daria Fanavar Borhan Sharif) is also involved in the development and manufacturing of components for Iran’s Shahed series drones.

Kimia Part Sivan Company (also known as KIPAS) is the drone production arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.

Finally, Sarmad Electronic Sepahan Company is involved in the development and manufacturing of electronic and electromechanical components for avionics and drones

According to Global Affairs, Canada has now sanctioned a total of 487 Iranian individuals and entities across Iran’s security, intelligence and economic apparatus, pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.

These measures freeze any assets that the sanctioned persons may hold in Canada. They also prohibit people in Canada and abroad from making property available to the sanctioned persons.

Listed individuals are also prohibited from entering the country.

Over the past two years, says Global Affairs, Canada has listed the IRGC as a terrorist organization under the Canadian Criminal Code and designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. And in late 2022, Canada designated several senior Iranian officials in government, security and intelligence agencies inadmissible to Canada.

Global Affairs notes in the press release that the current war involving Iran “has escalated across the Middle East because of the Iranian Regime’s attacks on neighbouring states … contributing to growing economic (instability) and disruptions to global trade, shipping and energy markets.”

National Post reached out to Global Affairs for comment from the foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, but has not yet received a response.

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