Iran executes third businessman for corruption

Hamidreza Baqen Damani, 49, known as the “Sultan of Bitumen” was executed in Iran. He was accused of procuring state-backed loans of more than $100m through “fraud, forgery and bribery,” then using front companies to get hold of more than 300,000 tonnes of bitumen. The asphalt industry is one of the most profitable in the country. Darmani is the third businessman to be executed since Iran launched an anti-corruption drive this year in an atmosphere of popular anger over the rising cost of living and widespread corruption.