The MOBY Group, established by Saad Mohseni in 2002, now encompasses seventeen businesses operating across seven markets in South and Central Asia and the Middle East. This media conglomerate grew from the reconstruction efforts following the removal of the Taliban government, evolving into a major player in regional television, radio, production, and digital streaming platforms.
Early Banking Career
Born in London in 1966 to Afghan diplomat Yassin Mohseni, Saad spent his early life residing in cities including Kabul, Washington, DC, and Tokyo. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the family sought asylum in 1982 and relocated to Australia. Mohseni began his professional life as an apprentice at an Australian funds management entity. He later transitioned into commodities and derivatives trading across Melbourne, Sydney, and London, eventually managing a trading desk for an Australian investment bank.
Media Expansion in Afghanistan
In 2003, Mohseni and his brothers, Zaid and Jahid, entered the Afghan media market by launching Arman FM, the country's first privately owned radio station. The following year, they established TOLO TV, which broadcast locally produced dramas, international soap operas, and programs such as Afghan Star and The Voice Afghanistan. These outlets expanded to include TOLOnews and the Pashto-language channel Lemar TV. By 2014, these channels reached over 60 per cent of the Afghan population.
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Beyond Afghanistan, the group launched Farsi1 in 2009 to target Persian speakers in the Middle East and West Asia. In 2012, 21st Century Fox provided funding by acquiring a minority stake, which the Mohseni family repurchased after The Walt Disney Company acquired Fox. In 2019, the group introduced Darya, a streaming service available on platforms including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and various smart TV systems. Following the 2022 regime change in Afghanistan, Mohseni launched FAZA TV and Barbud Music from outside the country to maintain media access despite local restrictions.
Controversies and Accusations
Mohseni has faced political friction due to his media activities, including accusations from the Taliban that he acted as an American agent. He has been frequently compared to media magnate Rupert Murdoch, with whom he maintains a friendship. In June, an Afghan woman living in Canada, Tahmina Cyrus, publicly accused Mohseni of sexual assault, alleging a physical encounter involving an unwanted kiss.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, London
- Citizenship: Australian and Afghan
- Key ventures: MOBY Group, TOLO TV, Arman FM
- Streaming service: Darya
- Brothers: Zaid and Jahid Mohseni
- Sister: Wajma
- Children: 5
- Wives: 3
Questions readers ask
What is MOBY Group's current reach?
The group operates 17 businesses across seven markets in South and Central Asia and the Middle East.
How did Saad Mohseni start his career?
He started as a banking apprentice in Australia and later became a commodities and derivatives trader.
What media outlets does he own in Afghanistan?
Key outlets include TOLO TV, TOLOnews, Lemar TV, and the radio station Arman FM.
