DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The BBC filed a complaint Wednesday to the United Nations over Iran freezing the assets of more than 150 people associated with its Persian service, calling Iran’s actions ‘‘a deprivation of human rights.’’

The British broadcaster described Iran’s actions as part of a ‘‘criminal investigation’’ into its staff, former employees, and contributors over allegations of them fomenting a ‘‘conspiracy against national security’’ in Iran and abroad. Those swept up in the investigation include Iranian dual nationals from Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Britain, and the United States.

The BBC first disclosed the asset freeze in August, saying it came from a court at Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, which holds dual nationals and political detainees, among other prisoners.

The court order stopped those named from selling, buying, or inheriting property and assets in the country until Dec. 20, when the outcome of the criminal investigation is to be announced.

‘‘BBC Persian staff are unable to return to Iran as they risk arrest, interrogation, and imprisonment,’’ the complaint said. ‘‘Many BBC Persian staff have been separated from their families for years and, in a number of cases, were unable to see loved ones before they have died.’’

The BBC’s complaint was sent to David Kaye, the UN’s independent investigator on freedom of expression.

associated press