Iran has reportedly confiscated the financial assets and several properties of soccer star Ali Karimi due to alleged connections with Israel, according to a Monday post on X (formerly Twitter) by Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the IRGC.

A three-story villa covering over 1,000 square meters was confiscated in Lahijan, along with some high-value mobile phone lines, The Caspian Post reports, citing IranWire.

Iran's judiciary claimed that these measures were done in an effort to "counter espionage and cooperation with Israel."

This is not the first seizure of Karimi's property by the Iranian government. Last month, Iran's Judiciary Media Center announced that two commercial units and four residential buildings belonging to the football player were seized by judicial order for "utilization for the public benefit," according to Iran International.

Karimi, Iran's former national team captain, has a history of openly defying the Islamic regime.

Karimi, who is currently living in exile in the United States, became a major voice of anti-regime protests in 2022. He took to social media to criticize the regime and offer support to anti-government protestors, according to Iran International.

His substantial number of followers is a grave concern for the IRGC, which has targeted him for extradition back to Iran after he openly criticized the government, the Independent reported.

He is still a political activist and frequently speaks at anti-regime rallies and diaspora demonstrations.