Iranian media have reported a sharp rise in crime and a deterioration in public security across the country, amid far-reaching economic, social and security challenges. These pressures have been compounded by the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran, declining public confidence in the Iranian leadership, international sanctions, soaring inflation and persistent social unrest fueled by widespread protests and public discontent.
Thus, crime in Iran spans a broad spectrum, including corruption, theft, fraud, violent offenses, drug-related crime, homicide and suicide. Given the central importance of social stability to the cohesion of the state, these developments raise serious questions about the establishment’s capacity to contain mounting internal pressures. This report examines the implications of the deteriorating security environment and the difficult choices facing the Iranian authorities as they confront overlapping crises without a clear prospect of a near-term resolution. It is divided into two sections: the first assesses the current state of crime and public security in Iran, while the second examines the measures adopted by the government to curb rising criminal activity.
Realities of Crime and Levels of Security in Iran
Available data and indicators suggest that the rise and diversification of crime in Iran reflect deeper structural crises within Iranian society. The war and its aftermath have inflicted severe economic damage, deepened poverty and destroyed infrastructure, with far-reaching political, economic and social consequences for citizens. These pressures have also eroded public security and confidence in state institutions, while raising questions about the government’s capacity to protect the population and address worsening economic conditions alongside mounting social and psychological distress.
When people can no longer meet their basic needs through lawful means, feelings of deprivation and frustration may intensify, increasing the risk that some will turn to criminal activity as a response to financial hardship. Without adequate social and psychological support, such distress can contribute to more serious outcomes, including homicide, physical violence, self-harm and suicide. These problems are not confined to lower-income groups but affect people across socioeconomic backgrounds and age groups.
The reported increase in offenses—including theft, fraud, homicide and suicide — has been linked to a combination of factors, among them soaring inflation, which has reportedly exceeded 100% in several Iranian provinces, economic contraction, unemployment, income inequality, mounting psychological and social pressures, and declining public confidence and perceptions of security. These challenges are particularly acute in marginalized regions, where economic hardship and limited support systems can compound existing vulnerabilities.
Iranian media outlets and social media platforms have highlighted cases of domestic homicide, often linked to financial disputes and underlying social or psychological pressures, alongside growing economic desperation among household heads struggling to provide for their families’ basic needs. At the same time, fraud and forgery networks have proliferated. In one recent case, a scheme operating under the guise of investment companies reportedly defrauded approximately 40 people of a combined 200 billion tomans, an amount claimed to be equivalent to about $741 million. Bank account theft and online scams have also reportedly increased. Meanwhile, sorcery, charlatanism and fortune-telling have regained visibility amid the erosion of social, cultural and economic capital. These trends are unfolding against a backdrop of persistent inflation, institutional shortcomings and deep uncertainty about the future, compounded by declining public confidence in official institutions, academic circles and decision-making bodies.
Robbery has recently become one of the most frequently recorded offenses in Iran, with 15,060 cases reported. Other leading offenses include verbal abuse of private individuals (13,737 charges), intentional assault (12,373), driving without a valid license (9,587), making threats (8,855), property damage (7,463), fraud (6,090), defamation (4,391) and the unlawful acquisition of property (3,543).
The table below showcases the most prominent crime patterns recently spreading in Iran:
| Crime Type | Number of Charges |
| Robbery | 15,060 charges |
| Insulting ordinary individuals | 13,737 charges |
| Intentional assault | 12,373 charges |
| Driving without an official license | 9,587 charges |
| Threats | 8,855 charges |
| Destruction | 7,463 charges |
| Fraud | 6,090 charges |
| Defamation | 4,391 charges |
| Illegal acquisition of property | 3,543 charges |
Source: Center for Studies and Research, International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah)
These trends are unfolding amid mounting economic hardship, political instability, armed conflict and state repression, all of which have contributed to growing psychological and social distress. Experts warn that such conditions can deepen feelings of hopelessness and depression, potentially increasing the risk of suicide. Although reliable, comprehensive statistics remain difficult to obtain, social workers in Iran report that the situation is deteriorating across all age groups, including children, with women particularly affected. In Urmia Province, local sources at hospitals and clinics have reportedly recorded an average of more than 15 suicide attempts per day. They also reported approximately 10 deaths by suicide over a two-week period during the protests in January 2026.
According to the deputy for social health at the Tehran Province Social Welfare Department, calls to Iran’s 123 social emergency hotline concerning social problems — including child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence and suicide — have risen significantly, reaching 7,558. Of these calls, 30% involved suicidal thoughts or attempts. The Shemiranat district of Tehran recorded the highest number of calls. Approximately 59% of callers were unmarried, while 46% were associated with substance abuse. Young adults aged 18–26 constituted the largest age group, accounting for 24% of cases. Meanwhile, some residential properties have reportedly been converted into sites for drug consumption, production and trafficking, locally known as “red houses.” Authorities have previously closed 140 such locations, arrested more than 7,000 individuals involved in trafficking and distribution and identified over 780 criminal gangs operating in this sector.
Government Policies to Combat Crime
The Iranian government and relevant authorities have introduced a range of measures to curb rising crime, which officials view as a threat to national security, domestic stability and social cohesion. Recognizing that law enforcement and punitive measures alone are insufficient, the authorities have increasingly emphasized preventive strategies to strengthen public security. These efforts include establishing a coordinated framework for cooperation between public and private institutions, backed by oversight, accountability and ongoing evaluation. A task force has been established to coordinate the government bodies represented on the Supreme Council for Crime Prevention. Amiri Isfahani, the judiciary’s deputy for social affairs and crime prevention, has stressed that the Iranian Constitution assigns the judiciary responsibility for crime prevention, a mandate that requires cooperation among government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and other institutions, as well as field investigations and scientific research. Measures introduced under this approach include expanding street security patrols to approximately 700 units, deploying artificial intelligence, extending surveillance camera coverage, replacing manual case referrals with smart systems and consulting external expert groups. The authorities have also sought to strengthen the role of the media, digital platforms, legal education, and influential public figures in raising awareness and promoting crime prevention. These initiatives aim to encourage greater public participation, bring crime prevention into broader public discourse and address social problems through more sustained and systematic efforts. Suicide prevention has also become part of this agenda. To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 9, the authorities organized a workshop on resilience and self-care at the Ministry of Health, seeking to strengthen support systems, promote mental and psychosocial well-being, and improve conditions for survivors and people at risk. The government also published a guide encouraging responsible media reporting on suicide and expanded the network of Siraj centers and other free, state-run mental health and psychosocial support clinics to a total of 148 facilities.
In an effort to combat drug-related offenses, authorities have implemented the 30th phase of the Peace in the City initiative. The campaign seeks to bring people struggling with addiction into treatment or rehabilitation, apprehend drug traffickers and eliminate narcotics from educational environments. The Anti-Narcotics Bureau has also stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring of individuals with a history of suicide attempts to reduce the risk of recurrence. In addition, it has called for closer cooperation between the State Welfare Organization (SWO) and universities, alongside stronger police oversight. Police recently reported seizing more than 125 kilograms of illicit drugs and hundreds of thousands of individual drug packages.
To address theft, the judiciary has withdrawn certain prison privileges, including temporary leave, from some offenders. Authorities have also adopted a tougher stance toward violent crime and the use of weapons against police officers, seeking to deter further offenses through stricter enforcement. Meanwhile, Iran’s cyber police, known as FATA, has established a round-the-clock hotline to tackle online fraud. When a complaint is received, the unit can freeze bank accounts and trace suspicious financial transactions. Sustained cooperation among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and the public remains essential to preventing crime, strengthening public security and addressing the underlying social problems that contribute to criminal activity.
Conclusion
Despite the Iranian government’s efforts to combat crime through legislation, administrative measures and judicial policies, their impact remains limited, with criminal activity continuing to pose a significant obstacle to sustainable development. These measures are unlikely to deliver lasting results without broader improvements in economic conditions, relief from international sanctions, and renewed diplomatic engagement to ease Iran’s international isolation and restore social and security stability. If crime continues to rise, particularly amid the country’s prevailing state of neither war nor peace, public frustration could deepen, further undermining domestic security and social cohesion. This, in turn, could leave Iran more vulnerable to external threats and foreign interference.
