Iran upholds death sentences for 2 convicted of fraud

Iran's state TV is reporting that the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentences for two individuals convicted of financial crimes.

Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi said Monday that the two were convicted of "spreading corruption on earth," a term used for crimes punishable by death in the Islamic Republic.

Iranian authorities have identified them as Vahid Mazloumin and Mohammad Esmail Ghasemi, whom local media dubbed the "Sultan of Coins" after he was arrested after hoarding two tons of gold coins in an attempt to manipulate the local currency.

Iranians have stocked up on gold coins and other safe haven investments as the local currency has plummeted in recent months. Iran has meanwhile set up special courts as part of a campaign against financial crimes.