The Canadian government is under scrutiny following revelations that a businessman with alleged ties to Iran’s military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) secured millions in government contracts. Mohammad Reza Ghafouri Fard, who operates businesses under the name Sal Ghafouri in Alberta, has been flagged by national security agencies, yet continued to win contracts from various Canadian agencies.
The case has raised serious concerns about the sharing of information between Canadian security agencies and the vetting process for government contracts. Iranian-Canadian organizations have called for an independent investigation into how Ghafouri was able to obtain these contracts despite the alleged concerns regarding his connections to the Iranian regime.
The Alleged Military Connections
According to declassified reports from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Ghafouri allegedly worked on several military projects for Iran before moving to Canada in 2013. These projects included the development of a guided anti-aircraft missile system and an electronic warfare project designed to jam enemy communications. The reports suggest that Ghafouri was involved in a covert procurement structure to source components for Iranian military projects, bypassing international sanctions.
Ghafouri’s alleged involvement with Iran’s military dates back to his work at Rabi Kosar, a company devoted to research and development projects for the Iranian military. He reportedly worked on systems such as the Shahin anti-missile system and the RAAD electronic warfare project. Despite these allegations, Ghafouri has denied the claims and stated his intention to pursue legal avenues to resolve the matter.
The Canadian Contracts
Despite the security concerns, Ghafouri’s companies, Melanite Group Ltd. and Radian Group Ltd. have won several contracts from Canadian agencies. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) awarded a contract to Melanite Group in 2019 for a borescope device and training. The Department of National Defence also awarded contracts to Ghafouri’s companies for snow vehicle parts and vehicle lifts. Additionally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) awarded a contract in 2021 and a grant in 2024.
The contracts have raised questions about the screening and security protocols in place for government procurement. The RCMP stated that no security requirements were associated with the contract awarded to Melanite Group, and the contract has since been completed. However, the case has sparked calls for a review of the vetting process for government contracts.
The Call for Investigation
Several Iranian-Canadian organizations and individuals have called for an independent investigation into how Ghafouri was able to secure these contracts. In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, the groups expressed concerns about the disconnect between Canada’s national security, immigration, law enforcement, and government procurement systems. They emphasized the need for an investigation to examine whether information was properly shared among government agencies and whether existing screening protocols were followed.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative headed by activist Avi Benlolo has also called for an investigation, stating that Canada cannot condemn the IRGC while allowing individuals allegedly connected to its military infrastructure access to sensitive government procurement. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has also raised concerns about the case, calling for the removal of active IRGC regime operatives from Canada.
The case highlights the complexities of national security and the challenges of balancing security concerns with the principles of fairness and due process. As the investigation unfolds, it will shed light on the effectiveness of Canada’s security screening and contracting systems and the need for potential reforms.
