Prison Sentence for Individual Who Violated Sanctions by Exporting Oil Equipment to Iran

U.S. Justice Department officials stated that Ray Hunt, 71, also known as Abdulrahman (Rahman) Hantoush, was sentenced to five years in prison for violating U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Justice Department announced that Hunt, who operated the company 'Vega Tools' in Alabama, admitted in July 2024 to illegally sending industrial equipment for Iran's oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. According to court documents, he collaborated with two Iranian companies in Tehran from at least 2015 until his arrest in November 2022 and used intermediary shipping companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates to circumvent U.S. sanctions. Abdulrahman Hantoush also made payments through banks in the UAE and misled suppliers and shipping companies about the true destination of his exports. U.S. officials stated that Hunt additionally attempted to conceal his actions by providing false information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents during questioning about his business activities following a trip to Iran in 2020. The investigation was conducted by the Office of Industry and Security in collaboration with the FBI. Due to power outages, there were disruptions on the Karaj-Tehran metro line and congestion at stations. Widespread shutdowns in Iran due to energy shortages; the economy and citizens' lives are affected by new U.S. oil sanctions against the Iranian government aimed at maximum pressure. The U.S. stated that under 'maximum pressure,' Iran's oil exports would again reach 100,000 barrels per day. Details of the return of maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic; the Islamic Republic has turned to OPEC to escape U.S. 'maximum pressure.'