Iran: Information on the penalties for dealing in or using illegal foreign currencies, since 1995
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 May 1996 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRN23829.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iran: Information on the penalties for dealing in or using illegal foreign currencies, since 1995, 1 May 1996, IRN23829.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ace314.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The attached report from the Swiss Office fédéral des réfugiés reports that a proposed bill would allow for penal sanctions, extending to capital punishment, for speculators and 'economic terrorists' (30 Oct. 1995). Articles 16, 17 and 18 of the 1983 Iranian Penal Code, which are attached, detail sentences for varying crimes relating to dealing in foreign currencies. A new version of the Iranian Penal Code, made public on 28 November 1995 (AFP 29 Nov. 1995) is not yet available to the DIRB.
According to a source at the Foundation for Iranian Studies in Maryland, dealing in foreign currencies is pervasive in Iran, as foreign currencies are in great demand (25 Apr. 1996). It is considered "a very serious political crime against the stability of the regime and [is] regarded as a crime which undermines the regime" (ibid.). According to the same source "all government agencies, the Savamah, the Komitehs, are involved in pursuing dealers" (ibid.). The source speculated that the penalties for dealing in foreign currencies are likely very serious (ibid.).
According to an official at the Iranian Embassy in Ottawa, the penalty for dealing in illegal currencies would depend on the intentions behind the act (30 Apr. 1996). If the act is considered of a subversive nature, or if the amount of money is considerable, then the penalty would be more serious (ibid.). The penalty would be less serious if the amount was smaller and if the offence was committed for selfish reasons (ibid.).
According to a researcher and lawyer at Human Rights Watch, the penalty for dealing in illegal currencies may vary from a fine, arrest, corporal punishment or imprisonment, depending on the identity of the individual and on the current value or exchange rate of the Riyal (25 Apr. 1996). According to the source, if an individual is caught with gold at a border crossing, travelling either by car or air, the currency would be confiscated by the authorities (ibid.).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ottawa. 30 April 1996. Telephone interview with official.
Foundation for Iranian Studies, Bethesda, Maryland. 25 April 1996. Telephone interview with representative.
Human Rights Watch, New York. 25 April 1996. Telephone interview with researcher on Iran.
Iran. 9 August 1985. The Islamic Penal Code.
Office fédéral des réfugiés, Givisiez, Suisse. 30 October 1995. Chronologie: Iran.
Attachments
Agence France Presse. 29 November 1995. "Adoption d'un nouveau code pénal islamique en Iran." (NEXIS)
Iran. 9 August 1985. The Islamic Penal Code, pp. 4-5.
Office fédéral des réfugiés, Givisiez, Suisse. 30 October 1995. Chronologie: Iran, p. 7.