Part 3:
The day of his arrest for a record-breaking sanctions-busting scheme, Reza Zarrab planned scuba diving trips in Florida.
Zarrab’s divemaster chronicled his high life online: yachts, submersibles, & partying with rapper Ludacris.
Another @CourthouseNews / @OCCRP 🔽
This is a deep dive into the lavish life of money launderer Reza Zarrab, known as the “Turkish Gatsby” for his high living, access to top government officials, and his marriage to Ebru Gündeş, a famous Turkish singer and actress.
It’s also the story of his divemaster.
Before Reza Zarrab’s arrest made him a notorious money launderer, he dreamed of being French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau.
“He was constantly watching videos about Jacques Cousteau’s research,” the former captain of his superyacht 60 Years said in an interview.
Reza Zarrab’s love for the sea put him in contact with divemaster Adam Wood, who was with the now-convicted money launderer on the day of his arrest in Miami International Airport.
Wood has never been accused of any wrongdoing.
Divemaster Adam Wood appeared dazzled by Reza Zarrab’s lifestyle: He documented his travels, boats, dining, watches and wealth on Facebook and Instagram.
He posted this photo at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport on the day of Zarrab’s arrest.
Authorities detained the divemaster at the time of Reza Zarrab’s arrest. He has never been accused of wrongdoing.
SDNY declined comment on his story too.
The divemaster backed out of a previously agreed-upon interview with my colleague, telling him: “I don’t really have time for this.”
He has deleted a CV on his website boasting of having served as “project manager” for Zarrab’s Royal Holding, working “directly for the owner.”
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