Gambling is illegal in Iran, yet many Iranians continue to gamble both in Iran and abroad. Illegal gambling in Iran generates over $1.5 billion each year, and most of this money is transferred outside the country. Corruption has allowed for the continued operation of gambling websites that target Iranian citizens, and these websites often use influencers to advertise their services, paying them significant sums of money to promote their illegal activities. One such influencer is Shadmehr Aghili, an Iranian pop singer who lives in California and has been promoting illegal gambling to Iranian audiences via his Instagram and YouTube accounts.
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Iranian people have been engaging in illegal gambling for decades, and many of them now reside outside Iran, with a large number living in Turkey. According to Iranian news sources, these illegal gambling activities generate over 1.5 billion dollars each year – Link – , much of which is transferred outside of Iran.
The Iranian government claims to be tracking and controlling this situation, but this website has Iranian banking system payments and Iranian judicial and regulatory authorities have failed to take action against the payment companies involved, leading to suspicions of corruption. Furthermore, the website is not registered in any country and lacks certification, allowing anyone, including underage individuals, to play. In order to promote these illegal gambling websites, influencers like Shadmehr Aghili are paid large sums of money. Although Instagram’s parent company, Meta, prohibits gambling advertisements on its platform without permission –Link– , the company appears to be turning a blind eye to the plight of Iranian people, and has failed to suspend those who advertise illegal gambling for over a decade.
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It is essential that influencers like Shadmehr Aghili are held accountable for their actions, as they play a significant role in promoting illegal gambling activities. By using their large social media followings to advertise these websites, they are contributing to a culture of illegal gambling and financial corruption that harms vulnerable individuals and communities. The California Department of Justice Bureau of Gambling Control has been notified of this situation, and we hope that they take swift and decisive action to bring those responsible to justice. The potential consequences of such illegal activities can be devastating, and it is imperative that we take action to protect individuals and communities from their harmful effects.
The illegal gambling industry in Iran has been a problem for years, with millions of dollars being laundered and transferred outside of the country. In recent times, influencers like Shadmehr Aghili have been promoting these illegal gambling websites for financial gain. The fact that Aghili resides in California raises concerns for American-Iranians who may be impacted by his actions. We urge the California Department of Justice to take appropriate action against those who promote such illegal activities.
