Iranian refugee who starred in national TV campaign charged in $36million ice importation conspiracy

An Iranian refugee who travelled to Australia in 2013 after he was forced to flee his home allegedly conspired to import $36million worth of meth into the country.

Hamid Ranjbarain starred in a CGU Insurance commercial in 2018 sharing his experience of fleeing his home in order to start a better life in Australia.

In the video, he detailed his ownership of a progressive painting business.

‘CGU celebrates and supports all Australian small businesses and in our latest campaign, we celebrate the amazing contribution migrant small business owners make to Australia,’ the company wrote alongside the campaign.

The 37-year-old father-of-one has been charged with conspiring to import $36million worth of methamphetamine into Sydney

The 37-year-old father-of-one has since been charged with conspiring to import $36million worth of methamphetamine into Sydney, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Police allege Mr Ranjbarain was at the centre of a syndicate planning to smuggle more than 40kg of ice into Australia by way of Asia and the Middle East.

The accusations come after the painter by trade said he ‘wants to give back to Australia by employing people, growing my business and paying my taxes, because it has given my family a new life. 

‘I chose to move to Australia because it is a land of freedom and opportunity,’ he said. 

The Iranian refugee who travelled to Australia in 2013 after he was forced to flee his home allegedly conspired to import $36million worth of meth into the country. 

 Hamid Ranjbarain starred in a CGU Insurance commercial detailing his ownership of a progressive painting business

The 37-year-old father-of-one has been charged with conspiring to import $36million worth of methamphetamine into Sydney

‘I have had so much support in Australia. Lots of people have helped me get my business up and running and I have never felt like I am in another country, I feel like I am in my country. 

‘I now employ fifteen people and have many painting projects coming up, which means I might be able to hire more painters too,’ he said. 

When Mr Ranjbarain arrived in Australia, he didn’t speak any English at all and learned off those around him.

But he said the biggest adjustment was learning the different rules and regulations between Australia and Iran. 

Mr Ranjbarain (pictured) was arrested by Strike Force Decry at his home in North Parramatta on Wednesday and denied bail

When Mr Ranjbarain arrived in Australia, he didn’t speak any English at all and learned off those around him

Mr Ranjbarain was arrested by Strike Force Decry at his home in North Parramatta on Wednesday and has been denied bail.

A second Iranian man was also arrested from Wentworth Point in Sydney’s west. 

Saeed Bakhtiyari, 27, was charged with conspiracy to import among other drug related offences.

He was also refused bail.

Mr Ranjbarain is expected to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday for a bail hearing. 

Daily Mail Australia have contacted CGU Insurance for comment.  

A second Iranian man was also arrested from Wentworth Point in Sydney’s west 

Saeed Bakhtiyari, 27, was charged with conspiracy to import among other drug related offences