Iranian-American Businesswoman Arrested at LA Airport for Alleged Arms Trafficking
Iranian-origin US resident held at LA Airport for alleged arms deals with Tehran, Sudan: Report
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian-origin permanent resident of the US, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly brokering arms deals involving Iranian drones and ammunition to Sudan. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison under US sanctions laws.
- 01Shamim Mafi was arrested for allegedly facilitating arms sales to Sudan.
- 02The charges include brokering the sale of Iranian drones and ammunition.
- 03One contract reportedly exceeded $70 million.
- 04Mafi allegedly used an Oman-registered company to conduct the transactions.
- 05She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.
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Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian-origin businesswoman with US permanent residency, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport while preparing to board a flight to Istanbul. US prosecutors allege that she brokered arms deals involving Iranian-made drones, bombs, and ammunition to Sudan, which is currently embroiled in civil conflict. The charges stem from her alleged facilitation of a contract exceeding $70 million for Mohajer-6 armed drones, with transactions reportedly routed through Turkey and the UAE to evade US detection. Prosecutors claim she communicated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence between 2022 and 2025 and lacked legal authorization for these arms deals. If convicted under US sanctions laws, she could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
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This case highlights the ongoing issues of arms trafficking and international sanctions, particularly involving Iran and conflict zones like Sudan.
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