Chinese Man Extradited to the U.S. on Charges of Smuggling Nuclear Components to Iran

A Chinese citizen who was arrested in the UK for attempting to smuggle products to Iran that could be used in nuclear facilities was extradited to the U.S. on Friday, December 5, where he faces a potential 35-year prison sentence. This Chinese citizen, identified as Shi Xiang Cheng (English name: Alex Cheng), was arrested in London at the end of the last Iranian year at the request of U.S. authorities. The U.S. Department of Justice has accused Mr. Cheng of attempting to violate sanctions and transfer sensitive components to a company named 'Aiyuz.' According to AFP, Aiyuz is recognized by the European Union in connection with Iran's nuclear or ballistic missile program. The news agency states that the components this Chinese citizen intended to export from China to Iran were pressure sensors, which, according to a U.S. government statement, could potentially be used in the construction of a nuclear bomb. The West and some of its allies suspect Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran has consistently denied, asserting that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. The Associated Press describes the U.S. federal indictment as involving 'smuggling' of nuclear products for a 'very large and secretive project.' The sensors that the Chinese citizen is accused of attempting to transfer to Iran were purchased from a Massachusetts-based company called 'MKS Instruments.' AFP reports that these pressure sensors could be used in gas centrifuges, which, according to the U.S. indictment, 'convert natural uranium into a form that can be used in nuclear weapons.' Mr. Cheng was supposed to transfer these components to Iran after receiving them in China. Meanwhile, an Iranian citizen named 'Abolfazl Shahab Jamili' is also mentioned as someone who was supposed to assist him. Cheng could face up to 35 years in prison if the charges are proven. He is expected to appear in court in the upcoming week. The Associated Press states that the investigation into this case began in 2012, and the MKS company, according to U.S. officials, was unaware of the original destination of the sensors.