Iran executes businessman dubbed 'Sultan of Bitumen'

22 December 2018

A prominent Iranian businessman, known as the "Sultan of Bitumen", has been executed for bribery and corruption.

Hamidreza Baqeri Darmani was found guilty of forging documents to secure state-backed loans.

He then used front companies to procure more than 300,000 tonnes of bitumen - a substance used in making asphalt - one of Iran's most profitable industries.

Darmani, 49, is the third businessman to be executed since an anti-corruption drive was launched earlier this year.

Last month, Iran executed a currency trader known as the "Sultan of Coins" for amassing some two tonnes of gold currency.

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