Who Is Reza Zarrab? Age, Biography and Wiki
Reza Zarrab, born on September 12, 1983, is an Iranian-Turkish businessman known for his involvement in international business dealings and controversies surrounding them. Zarrab gained notoriety for his alleged role in a multi-billion dollar money laundering and gold smuggling operation. As of 2025, he is 42 years old. His complex biography is marked by a turbulent legal history, including a high-profile case in the United States, which drew significant media attention and scrutiny.
| Occupation | Investments |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Tabriz, Iran |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Iran |
Popularity
Reza Zarrab's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In 2025, Reza Zarrab stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall. His weight is reported to be around 160 pounds (73 kg). While specific body measurements such as chest, waist, and hip size are not publicly documented, he maintains a fit and healthy appearance, indicative of a lifestyle that balances his busy career and public persona.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Reza Zarrab's relationship status is a topic of interest among fans and followers. He has a history of high-profile relationships, and in recent years, he has been linked to notable personalities. However, there is currently no confirmed information about his boyfriend or girlfriend, as Zarrab tends to keep his personal life private. He has been known to value family ties, although specific details about his family remain largely undisclosed.
His father, Hossein Zarrab, had a close relationship with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was the President of Iran from 2005 to 2013. The US Department of Treasury accused Hossein Zarrab of violating US sanctions on Iran, and fined him a $9.1 million, reduced to $2.3 million following his cooperation with US officials.
His charges; conspiracy to defraud, violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, money laundering, and bank fraud; could bring up to 70 years in prison if found guilty in the US Federal Court.
Net Worth and Salary
Reza Zarrab's net worth is estimated to be in the range of $100 million to $200 million as of 2025, primarily derived from his various business ventures and investments. Despite his legal challenges, he has managed to maintain significant assets and continues to engage in entrepreneurial activities. His salary fluctuates based on his business dealings, but he is recognized as one of the wealthier figures in the business community.
After Zarrab's arrest, shares in Halkbank, whose CEO was among those charged with taking bribes from Zarrab, had fallen by 20%. He has offered to pay $50 million to be granted a bail. Bail has been denied.
In their brief against granting bail, prosecutors had argued that "if the defendant were able to reach Turkish soil, he could cause the highest levels of Turkish government to block his return to the United States."
Career, Business and Investments
Zarrab's career has been marked by entrepreneurial spirit and strategic investments across various sectors, including gold trading, real estate, and technology. Initially gaining prominence in Turkey, his career took a sharp turn when allegations of financial misconduct led to international legal issues. Despite these challenges, Zarrab has continued to explore business opportunities around the globe, utilizing his extensive network and experience. His resilience in the face of adversity has earned him respect in certain business circles.
On 1 June 2007 Zarrab received an "exceptional citizenship" and became a Turkish citizen with the decision given by the Turkish Council of Ministers. He was accused of bribing $1.5 million to receive Turkish Citizenship in the indictment. In 2008, Zarrab married Turkish pop star, Ebru Gündeş and they had a child in 2011.
He started his business life in Turkey in 2008 with the company named Royal Maritime A.S. He founded Royal Holding with his brother Mohammed Zarrab (Can Sarraf) in 2010.
Social Network
In 2025, Reza Zarrab maintains a presence on various social media platforms, where he engages with his followers and shares insights into his business ventures. His social network includes influential figures and fellow entrepreneurs, enabling him to stay connected with trends and opportunities in the business world. However, he remains cautious about public interactions, often reflecting on his experiences and the lessons learned from his past.
Before the 2013 corruption scandal in Turkey, there were already signs of Zarrab engaging in bribing Turkish officials.
For instance, Zarrab's chauffeur, Turgut Happani, was arrested by the Turkish Customs Protection agency during his trip to Russia from Turkey in 2011 for carrying $150 million in cash and was accused of conducting illegal money couriering, but he was then released by Turkish authorities.
Happani sped his own pictures on Facebook with suitcases full of money. Moreover, in 2007, he was given Turkish citizenship for a sum of $1.5 million.
Education
Reza Zarrab's educational background is less documented than his professional endeavors. It is known that he pursued studies in business and economics, which laid the foundation for his later career in international trade. His practical experience often speaks louder than formal education, as he has demonstrated a keen understanding of global markets and finance.
