Reza Banki: From Tehran to Princeton, to Prison, to Pardon, to CFO

After 665 days of imprisonment in the United States, I, Mahmoud Reza Banki won my case on appeal and was released from prison in November 2011. I spent 11 months (out of the 22 months) in maximum and high security prisons. This is my story.

The Presidential Pardon

Free at Last, Justice at Last, Equal at Last

Today, 11/2/2021, 2 pm PST, marks the 10 year anniversary of my release from prison.

In January 2021, five years after I applied, the President of the United States granted me a full and unconditional presidential pardon.

Read the full story

Photos left to right: 1. 2009 Top of the world, 2. 2011 near release from prison, 3. Today

Like many,

I left my family behind and moved to the United States for a better life. And for a while, I had everything going for me. I completed my undergraduate studies at University of California at Berkeley, went on to Princeton for my PhD, and a management consulting job at McKinsey & Company took me to New York City. My future looked bright. That is until my world turned upside down on January 7, 2010.

I am an American who spent 22 months in prison even though I won on appeal and ultimately received no prison sentence.
My story is not only a story about coming from Iran or the sanctions; it is one that sheds light on justice.
Sharing my story might prevent this from happening again. It will also help me move onto the next phase of my life. It may also help raise awareness and push for change for the better for all of us.
13 members of congress and a senator each wrote individual letters, as well as a group letter to the President to express their support for me and to highlight this case and urge the President to act on my pardon application.

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Reflections from Tubi’s CFO & CSO—After six incredible years at the rocket ship that is Tubi, my time has come.

The Moth event on December 6th. Told live before an audience of 800+ in a packed theater at an event co-sponsored by KCRW (LA’s local NPR affiliate).

Listen to the Podcast

Local NPR station KCRW’s Unfictional program offered a chance listen to the more personal and emotional journey of the 22 months of incarceration.

Listen to his story

Richard Newcomb: Former Head of OFAC (US Sanctions Program) penned a letter defending Reza.

Read his letter

How does a man defend himself against the assumption of guilt?

This is a question that Mahmoud Reza Banki, a highly educated, accomplished professional, is all too familiar with. On the morning of January 7, 2010, Department of Homeland Security agents stormed through his front door, slammed him against the wall and handcuffed him. That was the last time Reza Banki would see the outside of a prison for nearly two years. What followed was an excruciating journey to overcome injustice.