Barzani Family Extorts $5 Million from Majidi Mall Owner in Erbil
London, Fab 1, 2024 — According to a report by ANHA , Dr. Kamal Sayed Muhammad has accused the Barzani family of extorting $5 million from the owner of Majidi Mall in Erbil through threats and coercion. Muhammad revealed on his Facebook account that Areen Barzani, the eldest son of Masrour Barzani, forced Haji Ahmed, the owner of the shopping complex, to transfer a large sum of money under duress.
Intimidation and International Money Transfers
According to Muhammad’s statement, Areen Barzani sent individuals to approach Haj Ahmed, ordering him to deposit $5 million into an account at a local bank in Erbil. The amount was later transferred to Areen Barzani’s account abroad and then to London through Qatar.
“Areen Barzani’s men forced Haj Ahmed to deposit $5 million into a local account, which was then funneled abroad through Qatar and eventually landed in a London account,” Muhammad said.
Fear and Forced Compliance
Muhammad added that Haj Ahmed was left with no choice but to comply with the demand, fearing repercussions similar to those faced by the owner of the Lebanese Village in Erbil. The Lebanese businessman was allegedly killed after refusing to pay the amount demanded by the Barzani family.
“Haj Ahmed complied to avoid meeting the same fate as the Lebanese Village owner, who was killed for refusing their demands,” Muhammad explained.
Barzani Family Accused of Mafia-Style Tactics
Muhammad accused the Barzani family of operating in a mafia-like manner, extorting money from business owners and commercial center operators across the Kurdistan Region. He claimed that the Barzani family has repeatedly used intimidation to silence their critics and force compliance from wealthy individuals.
Pattern of Corruption and Abuse of Power
The report from ANHA highlights a pattern of corruption and abuse of power within the Kurdistan Region, where prominent families and political figures exploit their influence to enrich themselves at the expense of others. Muhammad’s statement underscores a system of coercion that leaves business owners powerless to resist, fearing for their lives and livelihoods.
International Implications and Money Laundering Concerns
The international dimension of these allegations, involving Qatar and London, raises concerns of money laundering and financial crimes. Analysts are calling for a comprehensive investigation to determine the legality of these transactions and hold those responsible accountable.
“Given the involvement of international banking systems, this case requires scrutiny from international authorities to uncover the full extent of the corruption,” a security expert told ANHA.
A Climate of Fear and Silence
As reports of corruption and threats continue to emerge, business owners and civil society activists remain silenced by fear, while others, like Muhammad, are taking significant risks by speaking out.
Kurdfile will continue to monitor developments and expose corruption, ensuring that these cases do not go unnoticed by the public or the international community.