Washington: The U.S. Department of Justice announced that two individuals have been arrested last week on charges of illegally exporting sensitive and advanced electronic components to Iran.
The arrested individuals include 42-year-old Mehdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, apprehended in Massachusetts, and 38-year-old Mohammad Abedin Najafabadi, a resident of Tehran, Iran, who was arrested in Italy at the request of the United States. Abedini is currently awaiting extradition.
According to the Department of Justice, the suspects were involved in supplying sensitive electronic components to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These materials were allegedly used by Iran for its military technology, particularly in the manufacturing of Shahed drones.
Reports indicate that one of these drones was used in January of this year in an attack on the Tower 22 military base in northern Jordan. The attack resulted in the deaths of three U.S. servicemembers and injuries to over 40 others.
Court documents reveal that Mohammad Abedin is the founder of an Iranian company, San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak (SDRA), which specializes in producing navigation systems for the IRGC. These systems are used in drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Sadeghi was employed by a Massachusetts-based company that develops advanced electronic components and is alleged to have assisted in their unlawful transfer to Iran.
According to the Justice Department, if convicted, both individuals could face up to 20 years in prison, significant financial penalties, and other legal consequences. Abedin, who is also charged with providing material support to terrorism, could face a life sentence.
U.S. officials stated that investigations are still ongoing, and the defendants will be prosecuted in accordance with U.S. law.
