Iran tried to extradite Sydney siege gunman in 1996 but Australia refused: report

The head of Iran's police said it requested the extradition of Man Haron Monis – the delusional fake sheikh behind the Lindt café siege - 14 years ago but Australia refused to hand him over.

Gen Ismail Ahmadi Moghaddam said that Monis was wanted by Iranian authorities for fraud but ended up fleeing to Australia via Malaysia in 1996.

"He was the manager of a travel agency and committed fraud," the general told the BBC. "He then fled to Malaysia and from there to Australia under a fake name."

The general said Iran requested Monis' extradition from Australia but authorities refused.

"Since we did not have an agreement on the extradition of criminals with Australia, the Australian police refused to extradite him," he said.

The moment Monis landed on Australian soil he immediately applied for political asylum in order to obtain refugee status, a move which Gen Moghaddam describes as "a play".

When asked about the validity of the claims, Prime Minister Tony Abbott would not confirm or deny them.

This latest revelations comes on the back of confirmation from the Prime Minister that Monis did have a gun license and was on welfare.

An inquiry is being held to determine how Monis was free on the streets despite facing charges of being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife and more than 40 cases of sexual assault.