From Tehran to Texas: How a Convicted Iranian Pyramid Scheme Ringleader Built a New Life in the U.S.

Source briefing · A concise briefing based on one linked source. It is intentionally shorter than a full FreedomWitness Evidence Engine analysis.

What the source reports

Mazyar Mahan, convicted in absentia in Iran in connection with a $25 million pyramid scheme that defrauded hundreds of people, obtained U.S.

citizenship and went on to teach film at a Texas university.

Evidence note: At this stage FreedomWitness is presenting what this source reports. This briefing does not independently prove every underlying claim and should be read together with the original material.

Source & verification

Primary source: OCCRP · July 31, 2026

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