Exclusive: The Interrogation of the Rice Hoarder—1,000 Tons Seized in Economic Crackdown
Hoarding Crisis: A Threat to Economic Stability
Hoarding essential goods, particularly rice, has emerged as a critical economic and social challenge in recent years. This practice not only strains household budgets but also undermines public trust in the market. Below is an inside look at the interrogation of the primary suspect in a major rice hoarding case, alongside statements from officials of the Economic Security Police and the Governmental Enforcement Organization.
The Interrogation: Denials and Deflections
Investigator: Do you understand the charges against you?
Suspect: I was importing and exporting legally. Suddenly, I was accused of hoarding 1,000 tons of rice. My business was legitimate—all documents were lawful.
Investigator: How long have you operated this way?
Suspect: Seven years. I followed regulations—never had issues before.
Investigator: You claim market stability, but was your stockpiling for public benefit—or personal profit?
Suspect: I managed market fluctuations. Sometimes I held stock until prices stabilized.
Investigator: So you manipulated supply for your gain, not the people’s.
Suspect: I never said that. Market management requires strategy.
Discrepancies in Warehouse Records
Investigator: Records show rice entering your warehouse, but exits are unregistered. Where did it go?
Suspect: To wholesalers, restaurants—any buyer. My agents handled paperwork.
Investigator: Yet transactions went unrecorded. You kept reserves, exploiting price gaps.
Suspect: I minimized losses. Currency volatility forced me to hold stock.
Investigator: Your actions harmed both the economy and citizens. Ignorance isn’t an excuse.
Suspect: I reject that. My operations were clean—only paperwork errors.
Government Support or Exploitation?
Investigator: You benefited from state permits and subsidies, then betrayed public trust.
Suspect: I contributed—imported rice, passed inspections. Only 30% reached the market due to price risks.
Investigator: You took preferential currency rates but failed obligations. This is economic sabotage.
Suspect: I safeguarded my investment. No ill intent.
Official Responses: Zero Tolerance for Hoarding
Brigadier General Hossein Rahimi, Head of Economic Security Police:
“Economic crimes directly impact livelihoods. Our mandate is twofold: securing trade processes and punishing disruptors. Hoarding staples like rice, oil, and grains is a priority. In early 2024, seizures surged fivefold. We warn offenders—enforcement will escalate.”
Kamran Maleki-Sadeghi, Governmental Enforcement Organization:
“Laws impose severe penalties for hoarding—from fines to confiscation. Unregistered stockpiles face smuggling charges. These measures deter exploitation of public needs.”
Conclusion: Upholding Market Integrity
Authorities reaffirm their commitment to combating hoarding, ensuring fair distribution, and protecting consumers. The crackdown signals tighter oversight and harsher penalties for economic violations.
(End of Report)
