More than fifteen months after Mostafa Khanzadi's appointment as CEO of the Arvand Free Zone Organization, various informed sources have told Feydus that the scrutiny of his economic and administrative performance by some regulatory and security agencies has intensified, increasing the likelihood of legal action against the CEO of this organization.
Feydus has not been able to independently confirm the issuance of an arrest warrant or a definitive judicial decision regarding Khanzadi, and neither judicial authorities nor the Arvand Free Zone Organization have released an official statement on the matter. Nevertheless, Feydus sources say a series of cases concerning appointments, contracts, resource expenditures, and managerial decisions of this organization are under review.
Khanzadi's Background and Promises
Khanzadi, a representative of Damavand and Firuzkuh in the sixth parliamentary term, was appointed as a board member of the Arvand Free Zone in April 1404 and shortly thereafter, by the order of the acting Minister of Economy, took over as chairman of the board and CEO of this organization. His appointment emphasized economic development, increased investment, and leveraging the capacities of Abadan and Khorramshahr. He previously held responsibilities in the Secretariat of the Supreme Council of Free Zones and the Kish Free Zone.
However, critics say the promises announced at the start of Khanzadi's tenure have not led to a noticeable improvement in the economic, infrastructural, and employment situation in Abadan and Khorramshahr. Local sources report increasing citizen dissatisfaction, managerial instability, the appointment of problematic individuals, and the expansion of political and economic circles involved in economic corruption within the organization's structure, particularly in customs sections.
Criticism of Khanzadi's Appointments
A significant portion of the criticism is directed at Khanzadi's appointments. Feydus sources say his close relationship with some managers and figures associated with previous management periods of the Arvand Free Zone, including Mehdi Nikpey, and employing their associates in sensitive positions, has paved the way for creating a non-transparent network of corruption and collusion within the organization. The appointment of Sousan Joudaki as acting deputy for management development of the organization, officially announced in June 1404, disregarded her role in the corruption of previous organization managers and her non-transparent relationships, exacerbating corruption in the Arvand Free Zone.
Previously, there were rumors of Khanzadi's resignation and his transfer to Shasta, which seems to have been hindered by his legal issues and extensive corruption cases, preventing this transfer as an attempt to evade accountability for the Arvand cases.
Feydus sources also report the influence of several parliament members and their affiliates in customs, trade, and import decisions in the Arvand Free Zone. However, critics say this influence is not limited to Khanzadi's tenure and is part of a trend that existed during previous managers' terms, but the lack of transparency and effective pursuit has allowed it to continue.
History of the Arvand Free Zone
The history of the Arvand Free Zone has also added to the concerns. In December 1399, the then-CEO of this organization was arrested in connection with an economic case. The head of the General Inspection Organization of the country also announced that this arrest was made following a report and pursuit by that organization. Several other CEOs and deputies of the organization have also faced similar judicial or regulatory cases and arrests in recent years.
The Arvand Free Zone, with its port, border, industrial, and commercial capacities, was supposed to be the engine of development for Abadan and Khorramshahr; however, critics say this organization, with its extensive human resources, large budgets, and non-transparent structure, has become one of the main centers for distributing rent and economic opportunities in southern Iran.
The Future of Khanzadi's Management
The most important question now is whether the potential investigations into Khanzadi's tenure will lead to a legal case and arrest, or whether the ambiguities surrounding the management of one of Khuzestan's wealthiest economic organizations will remain unanswered once again. Feydus is ready to publish the responses of Mostafa Khanzadi, the Arvand Free Zone Organization, and other mentioned individuals verbatim.
