Former UFC Fighter Mounir Lazzez Implicated in Iranian Oil Sanctions Evasion Scheme

Former UFC fighter Mounir Lazzez, known for his association with wanted Kinahan cartel leaders, is now linked to multimillion-dollar shipping deals involving crude oil tankers that faced US sanctions for aiding the Iranian regime. Documents obtained by Bellingcat reveal Lazzez's business interests extend beyond combat sports, connecting him to firms in secrecy jurisdictions that orchestrated these transactions. These companies, headquartered at an address used for registering offshore entities, also include a firm previously tied to a Kinahan cartel bulk carrier seized with over two tonnes of cocaine.

Photographs published last week by Bellingcat and The Sunday Times show Lazzez interacting with Christy and Daniel Kinahan at the 971 Fighting Championship in Dubai last June. These images represent the first public sightings of the Irish narco-traffickers since the US government issued multi-million dollar bounties for their capture in 2022. Lazzez, who managed the event, was seen conversing with both crime bosses, who occupied VIP seating at the cageside.

Lazzez has openly expressed support for Daniel Kinahan on social media, further highlighting his controversial connections. The revelations about his involvement in sanctions-evading oil deals add another layer to the complex network of individuals and entities associated with international organized crime and illicit financial activities. This development underscores the ongoing challenges in combating global sanctions evasion and the interconnectedness of various illicit enterprises.