A recent investigation has uncovered a sprawling, clandestine network of over 5,000 shell agencies, all operating under the "MOD" prefix and linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defense. Since January 2025, this sophisticated apparatus has successfully funneled at least $2 billion worth of military hardware—including explosives, rocket propellants, and heavy-duty trucks—into the country. By utilizing a web of foreign frontmen and "trustee" companies, these agencies have effectively bypassed Western sanctions and U.S. naval blockades, ensuring that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains fully equipped despite intense international pressure.

The operation relies on a parallel trade system that avoids traditional currency transfers, frequently settling transactions through cash holdings in foreign banks to dodge financial monitoring. Records indicate that these agencies, many of which share addresses with official government logistics offices, have sourced critical dual-use components from suppliers in China, Russia, and even the European Union. These materials, ranging from sophisticated computer-controlled lathes to titanium and drone parts, are instrumental in maintaining Iran's missile and drone programs. By exploiting these complex supply chains, the Iranian regime has maintained its military readiness, turning industrial-grade imports into a formidable arsenal that continues to fuel regional conflicts.