Conviction of an Iranian-Canadian for Violating Sanctions Against Iran

A court in New York, USA, has sentenced an Iranian-Canadian citizen to three years in prison for his role in violating U.S. sanctions while attempting to transfer dual-use military and civilian equipment to Iran. The accused, identified as "Alireza Parsa," was arrested in October 2014 with the assistance of the FBI. He accepted the charges against him in January of this year. The Manhattan judge stated that he was attempting "to purchase advanced electronic equipment, some of which could be used in the production of missiles and rockets." According to the court president, this Iranian-Canadian citizen intended to transfer the equipment "from Canada to Iran." John Carlin, the Assistant Attorney General, also mentioned that over six years, he "repeatedly violated export laws and regulations and assisted Iranian parties in purchasing advanced electronic equipment that has both commercial and military applications." The U.S. Department of Justice states that Mr. Parsa was placing orders through his company in Canada, named Metal PM. The parts were sent to Canada or the United Arab Emirates and then shipped to Iranian customers. Parsa informed American companies of a destination other than the final destination of the goods he ordered. The Iranian company purchasing the goods is identified as "Tavan Payesh Mad." On its website, Tavan Payesh Mad describes itself as a company providing services and selling products "in the field of lubrication systems," including various greases or pumps. According to information on this company's website, they are the "official representative" or "exclusive representative" of Graco in the U.S., Kiepe in Germany, or Martek in France. The headquarters of this company is located in Tehran. The U.S. Department of Justice claims that Mr. Parsa continued to "violate sanctions" even after his arrest. The sanctions that this Iranian-Canadian citizen is accused of violating are laws enacted in October 1977, which allow the U.S. President to impose economic regulations in emergencies that threaten the U.S. Another charge against Alireza Parsa is the violation of "ITSR: regulations on money transfers and sanctions against Iran." According to the timeline provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Mr. Parsa's arrest predates the implementation date of the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers. Meanwhile, his charges regarding assisting Iranian parties in purchasing equipment used in missiles and rockets violate U.S. sanctions that are not included in the nuclear agreement and remain in effect. These sanctions relate to issues such as ballistic missile development, human rights violations, or "state-sponsored terrorism." Tehran denies supporting terrorism and claims that its missile program is for defensive purposes.