Africa’s largest telecom operator, MTN Group, is under scrutiny from the US Department of Justice (DoJ) over its past operations in Afghanistan and its current 49% stake in Iran’s Irancell, according to multiple sources. The company disclosed the grand jury investigation in its 2025 interim financial results, raising concerns about potential legal and reputational risks.
MTN has emphasised its cooperation with US authorities, but the probe adds to existing legal challenges tied to its operations in politically sensitive regions. With US-South Africa relations already strained, the telecom giant is navigating a precarious path.
Alleged payments to the Taliban in Afghanistan
The DoJ’s grand jury investigation is examining MTN’s former operations in Afghanistan, which the company exited in April 2025. A key reason for the probe is allegations that MTN paid protection money to the Taliban, potentially violating US sanctions and the Anti-Terrorism Act. These claims stem from a 2019 class-action lawsuit filed by families of US soldiers, who allege that such payments endangered American lives.
The lawsuit, which a US district court has allowed to proceed, has drawn the DoJ’s attention to MTN’s conduct in Afghanistan, prompting requests for detailed information about its activities in the region.
Stake in Irancell
MTN’s 49% stake in Irancell, Iran’s government-controlled mobile carrier, is another focal point of the DoJ investigation. Iran has been under stringent US sanctions for years, and any business dealings in the country risk breaching these restrictions. The probe is likely exploring whether MTN’s involvement in Irancell, dating back to 2006, complied with US regulations.
Additionally, a $4.2 billion lawsuit from Turkish rival Turkcell alleges that MTN secured the Irancell license through bribes to Iranian and South African officials, further complicating the company’s position and fueling the DoJ’s interest in its Iranian ties.
Geopolitical tensions
The investigation comes amid strained US-South Africa relations, which may be intensifying scrutiny of MTN’s operations. The US has criticised South Africa over its ties with Russia, its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and alleged persecution of white farmers, as claimed by President Donald Trump.
These tensions, combined with a 30% US tariff on South African exports, create a challenging backdrop for MTN. CEO Ralph Mupita addressed the probe on Monday, stating, “A lot of these things are legacy issues, and we have to spend a lot of time defending ourselves.” MTN has briefed South African officials and is cooperating fully with the DoJ, but the geopolitical climate could heighten the stakes of the investigation.
MTN’s leadership has pledged to provide updates if significant developments arise, but the grand jury’s findings could determine whether the company faces formal charges. With ongoing lawsuits and geopolitical pressures, MTN’s operations in Afghanistan and Iran continue to cast a long shadow over its global ambitions.
