US settlement reached to sell Iran-owned skyscraper in New York

AFP - US prosecutors unveiled plans Thursday to sell an Iran-owned Manhattan skyscraper in the largest terror-related seizure ever, and distribute proceeds to families affected by attacks linked to Tehran.

The settlement approved by a federal judge with 19 plaintiffs is the latest development in a long-running case over the fate of 650 Fifth Avenue.

The 36-story building is located in the heart of New York City.

Among the creditors are families and estates of victims of the 1983 bombings of US Marine barracks in Beirut that killed 241 military personnel and the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia that killed 19 US service members.

US District Judge Katherine Forrest ruled in favor of the government's suit last year, saying the building's owners had violated Iran sanctions and money laundering laws.

Prosecutors allege the building's owners, the Alavi Foundation -- a non-profit corporation promoting Islamic culture and Persian language -- and Assa Corporation, transferred rental income and other funds to Iran's state-owned Bank Melli.

In addition to the Manhattan tower, US authorities will also sell Iran-linked properties in California, Maryland, Texas, Virginia and the Queens borough of New York, along with the contents of bank accounts formerly in the name of entities that served as fronts for Iran.

"With this settlement, we have taken an important step toward completing what will be the largest ever terrorism-related forfeiture and providing a substantial recovery for victims of terrorism," Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.

No date has yet been set for the sale of the properties, and one private plaintiff has not joined the settlement.

The government will recoup litigation expenses and costs associated with the sale of any properties seized and sold by the US Marshals Service, according to the settlement.

The remaining proceeds will be distributed among the plaintiffs based on the unpaid damages awarded to them in court.