Renowned businessman, philanthropist, and Conservative Party donor, Javad Marandi, is now at the forefront of a major international money laundering inquiry. This recent development came to light following the conclusion of a protracted legal dispute with the BBC, in which Marandi sought to keep his identity hidden. Although Marandi fervently denies any unlawful activities, his case exemplifies the complex challenges faced by organisations in enforcing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.

Marandi, who is recognised for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts, expressed deep dismay over the court’s decision to lift the reporting restrictions. “Mr Marandi is deeply disappointed at the court’s decision to lift reporting restrictions, knowing the reputational damage that is likely to follow,” a spokesperson for Marandi stated.

This case, which has stirred fervent debates in the House of Commons, underscores the essential role of effective AML measures and diligent client onboarding practices. This is precisely where Verify 365, a trailblazing AML ID checks and client onboarding software company, comes into play. “Our aim is to support regulated businesses in verifying their clients thoroughly and efficiently, so as to circumvent such complex situations,” shares Rudi Kesic, the CEO of Verify 365.

Marandi’s foreign enterprises were implicated in a convoluted money laundering plot involving Javanshir Feyziyev, one of Azerbaijan’s wealthiest oligarchs. The National Crime Agency (NCA) discovered that Marandi’s overseas interests played a pivotal role in this intricate scheme. The NCA was granted the authority to seize £5.6m from Feyziyev’s London-based family after an investigation, which is a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against money laundering.

In the context of Marandi’s case, there is a pressing need for rigorous client onboarding and AML checks. This emphasises the necessity of platforms like Verify 365 in today’s global economy. “In a digital age, it is crucial that businesses have the right tools to identify and mitigate potential risks. Our goal is to provide those tools, ensuring transparency and security in client onboarding,” Kesic elaborates.

Marandi, a successful international entrepreneur, has a diverse portfolio of business interests, both in the UK and abroad. He is renowned for his philanthropy, heading the Marandi Foundation alongside his wife, and serving as a special adviser to homelessness charity Centrepoint. Importantly, none of his UK enterprises or affiliated organisations are implicated in the NCA’s investigation.

The probe originated from the disclosure of the so-called “Azerbaijani Laundromat” in 2017. The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) exposed a massive money-laundering scheme where an estimated $2.9bn of stolen money was funneled away by Azerbaijan’s elite. This case triggered the NCA’s investigation into the Feyziyev family’s UK finances and the eventual revelation of Marandi’s involvement.

The “Azerbaijani Laundromat” is a prime example of the dire need for effective AML measures. “The Azerbaijani Laundromat brought a lot of damage on many levels to Azerbaijan itself, to the European Union, to the US, and other parts of the world,” said Paul Radu, the OCCRP’s co-founder.

As we navigate this complex terrain, the significance of rigorous AML measures and effective client onboarding cannot be overstated. Verify 365 stands at the forefront of this endeavor, providing crucial tools to safeguard businesses and individuals from such damaging situations. CEO Rudi Kesic reiterates, “