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What's going on in the Reza Zarrab oil-for-gold Iran sanctions case ? Trial was scheduled to begin next Monday, November 27, but the Court has postponed the start for one week. Moreover, a recent two-hour pretrial conference was reportedly not only closed to the public, with the doors locked, but the live video feed was turned off. Plea negotiation, perhaps ?
One observer noted that orders in this matter, originating from the bench, now show the style of the case as US vs. Mehmet Atilla, rather than US vs. Rezas Zarrab et al. What has become of Zarrab ?
A final note, which deepens the mystery: An additional defense attorney has now appeared, literally at the last minute, on behalf of Atilla, who is not apparently the only defendant, in custody, that is going to trail. This lawyer has extensive experience, including time as a state and Federal prosecutor. Was he brought in to craft a plea agreement ? We cannot say, but wait for next Monday, it may reveal itself as both defendants enter pleas.
Chronicles of Monte Friesner - Financial Crime Analyst
Contributed by Kenneth Rijock - Financial Crime Consultant
