Iranian greenhouse firms linked to US$187 million in gold imports

Tue Sep 15 2026

A network of Iranian companies involved in greenhouse vegetable cultivation imported US$187.3 million in gold bullion last year, according to trade data reviewed by Kharon. The companies are controlled by directors of Amin Exchange, which was sanctioned by the U.S. in May over alleged financial transactions involving sanctioned Iranian entities.

Most of the gold imports were recorded through four companies under the Atavita Group, whose hydroponic greenhouse operations in northwestern Iran produce bell peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, other fruit and vegetables, and medicinal plants. Iran's agricultural sector is largely exempt from Western sanctions.

One subsidiary, Aras Tarla Amin, recorded US$8.1 million in exports across 352 shipments between February 2025 and January 2026, while importing US$122.3 million in gold from Türkiye during the same period. Another greenhouse company, Aras Tarla Amir, recorded US$6.43 million in exports across 504 shipments, compared with US$24.5 million in gold imports.

Across the identified network, the value of gold imports was around eight times the value of exports, according to the available trade data.

Kharon's investigation identified a further US$2.6 billion in gold imports into Iran through 11 other entities over the past year. Much of this gold was recorded as originating from Türkiye and the UAE.

Source: kharon.com