(JTA) — Sami Ofer, one of the two patriarchs running an Israeli shipping firm embroiled in an Iran scandal, has died.
Ofer died in Israel Thursday at 89 after a long struggle with an undisclosed illness, Israeli media reported.
Two companies owned by Ofer and his brother, Yuli, appeared last month on a U.S. list of entities to be sanctioned for dealings with Iran’s energy sector.
In one case, a company was alleged to have been involved in providing a tanker to Iran. Additionally, at least eight ships belonging to Ofer companies are alleged to have docked in Iran in recent years.
Israel’s attorney general is investigating the allegations. The brothers’ company has denied violating the embargo on Iran.
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