Gholam Reza Goodarzi, also known as Ron Goodarzi, 76, a dual US and Iranian citizen who resides in Porter, Texas, is charged by criminal complaint with smuggling parts and components used in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as other manned aircraft, from the United States to Iran, the US Department of Justice said in a statement, Report informs.
“For years, the defendant allegedly used proxy destinations to try to smuggle UAV components and other controlled technology to Iran, even concealing controlled items in his own luggage,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department and our law enforcement partners are committed to vigorously enforcing export controls to protect US national security.”
“Illegally smuggling sensitive US technology to a foreign nation jeopardizes our national security and undermines the integrity of our trade laws,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI's National Security Branch.
According to court documents, from December 1, 2020, through July 5, Goodarzi illegally exported aircraft-related parts, in addition to oil and drilling components, to Iran. As alleged, Goodarzi purchased US-origin aircraft components from US-based suppliers and then exported them to Iran – typically through Dubai, UAE.
He also traveled to and from Iran multiple times per year and concealed aircraft parts and other items in his checked luggage.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison for the charge of smuggling goods and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI, with assistance from and Customs and Border Protection, is investigating the case.