Court sentences US citizen to imprisonment for illegal shipments to Iran

News » Incidents

A federal court in New York on Thursday sentenced an Iranian-American citizen to 30 months in prison for illegally exporting technological products to the Iranian government.

Prosecutors said Kambiz Attar Kashani, 45, violated US sanctions against Iran and deliberately defrauded US authorities and companies by exporting goods through shell companies in the United Arab Emirates. Kashani and his co-conspirators are accused of using two companies from the UAE to purchase electronic goods and technology from several US technology companies between 2019 and 2021. The goods were then delivered to Iran, including to the Bank of Iran, in violation of the International Economic Emergency. According to prosecutors, Kashani deliberately misled US authorities and companies. Part of the export included sophisticated electronic equipment and software.

Prosecutors allege that Kashani acted “in the interests of the Central Bank of Iran, an authorized body that provides material support to known terrorist organizations.” The US has imposed sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran for its support of Hezbollah. and the detachment “Al-Quds” Iran's IRGC, which are considered terrorist groups.

“The scheme undermines US foreign policy and national security interests and requires a substantial prison sentence to deter others,” – says US Attorney Breon Peace.

“Now Kashani will go to jail for bolstering the economy of one of the world's most infamous government sponsors of terrorism for personal gain”,– sums up FBI agent Joseph R. Bonavolanta in charge of the case.

Prosecutors say some of the exports have helped the Iranian banking system in its operations, boosting Iran's economy and providing better access to funds that helped Iran develop its nuclear program and terrorist activities. Some of the products were classified as information security tools and were subject to national security and anti-terrorism controls.

Kashani pleaded guilty to the charges in June 2022. In addition to jail time, he will pay a $50,000 fine. Initially, he faced up to 20 years in prison.

Follow us on Telegram