By Al-Fassel | 2024-09-10

A dual US-Iranian citizen made an initial appearance in court September 3 after his August 30 arrest at an airport in the US state of Texas for smuggling drone components and other controlled technology into Iran.

For years, the 76-year-old defendant allegedly used proxy destinations to smuggle components for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known as drones, manned aircraft and other controlled technology into Iran.

He did this in violation of US sanctions, according to the US Justice Department's National Security Division, even concealing items in his own luggage.

"Smuggling aircraft parts into Iran endangers US national security by potentially enhancing Iran's military capabilities," said US Attorney Alamdar Hamdani of the US District Court of the Southern District of Texas.

It enables the Iranian regime to advance its "aerial combat potential, increase regional power and threaten US allies and interests in the Middle East," he said.

Smuggling drone parts

The defendant illegally exported aircraft-related parts and oil and drilling components to Iran between December 1, 2020, and July 5 of this year, according to court documents.

He purchased US-origin aircraft components from US-based suppliers and exported them to Iran, typically through Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

He also traveled to and from Iran multiple times a year and concealed aircraft parts and other items in his checked luggage, court documents said.

On several occasions, authorities found numerous aircraft parts and components hidden within articles of clothing in his luggage.

Some of the items had characteristics consistent with parts used in the production of drones, as well as parts with electrical motor and generator applications, per the court documents.

The defendant does not have the required licenses to export such items to sanctioned countries, including Iran, according to the complaint.

"Illegally smuggling sensitive US technology to a foreign nation jeopardizes our national security and undermines the integrity of our trade laws," said FBI National Security Branch executive assistant director Robert Wells.

If convicted, the defendant faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000.

Drones manufactured in Iran and used by various state and non-state actors in the region and beyond continue to threaten security on land and at sea.