Iranian Accused of Sending Metals From U.S. to Iran

Bloomberg,

An Iranian citizen was accused by the U.S. of supplying Iran’s missile program and was indicted on charges he illegally exported metals to the Middle Eastern country.

Milad Jafari, 36, arranged for shipments to be sent from the U.S. to Turkey and then to Iran between 2004 and 2007, according to the indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Washington. Jafari remains at large and is believed to be in Iran, according to the Justice Department.

The U.S. repeatedly has accused Iranians and those allegedly working with the country of evading a U.S. embargo to obtain parts with military uses.

“The allegations in the indictment unsealed today shed light on the reach of Iran’s illegal procurement networks and the importance of keeping U.S. materials from being exploited for Iran’s weapons development,” David Kris, the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for national security, said in a statement.

The Treasury Department today moved to freeze any U.S. assets of a procurement network allegedly led by Jafari under an executive order targeting those who help spread weapons of mass destruction.

The network supports Iran’s missile program by obtaining metal products, including steel and aluminum alloys, for subordinates of Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization, or AIO, according to the Treasury Department. Between 2007 and late 2008, the network facilitated shipments of more than $7 million for companies working with AIO, according to the department.

Illegal Exports

Jafari was charged with conspiracy to illegally export materials to Iran, five counts of illegal exports and attempted illegal exports of material to Iran and five counts of smuggling materials. The U.S. said Jafari and conspirators solicited orders from customers in Iran and purchased items from U.S. companies. He allegedly concealed from U.S. suppliers the end use of the items.

Jafari did business with Sanam Industrial Group, controlled by AIO and sanctioned by the U.S. and United Nations for involvement in nuclear and ballistic missile activities, according to the Justice Department.

The industrial group issued Jafari’s company a request for a quote on specialized steel welding wire with aerospace applications, according to the Justice Department. In 2007, he allegedly ordered the wire from a company in Nevada.