The U.S. Department of Justice has announced in a statement the arrest of an Iranian-American dual citizen on charges of illegally exporting U.S. technology to Iran.
U.S. prosecutors have identified this Iranian-American citizen as Gholamreza Goudarzi, also known as Ron Goudarzi, a resident of Porter, Texas. He was arrested on August 30 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The 76-year-old man is accused of smuggling parts and components used in the production of both unmanned and manned aircraft from the U.S. to Iran.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice statement, Mr. Goudarzi is currently in custody and will remain so until his court hearing on September 5, where the reasons for his detention will be addressed.
According to Robert Wells, Executive Assistant Director of the FBI’s National Security Branch, the illegal smuggling of sensitive U.S. technology to a foreign country endangers national security and undermines the integrity of trade laws.
He further emphasized that the United States will not tolerate the illegal export of advanced technology to its adversaries, and the FBI, along with its partners, will work to hold those who violate U.S. laws accountable.
Court documents indicate that from November 30, 2020, to July 4, Gholamreza Goudarzi illegally exported aircraft parts, as well as oil and drilling components, to Iran.
He frequently traveled to Iran, often carrying out these exports through the UAE, and several times transported parts in his luggage.
The Justice Department’s complaint states that security agents inspected Goudarzi’s luggage on several occasions and discovered aircraft parts and components hidden within clothing. Some items had features consistent with drone manufacturing parts as well as components used in electric motors and generators.
According to this complaint, Gholamreza Goudarzi did not have the necessary license to export such items to sanctioned countries, including Iran.
If Mr. Goudarzi is found guilty in this case, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 for smuggling goods.
Previously, on August 14, the U.S. Department of Justice had also charged Jeffrey Chance Nader, a 68-year-old Iranian-American citizen, with attempting to illegally export American aircraft parts to Iran.
