The U.S. Arrests a Dual National Citizen on Charges of Smuggling Drone and Oil Technology to Iran

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Tuesday, September 4, that a dual national Iranian-American citizen has been arrested for the illegal export of American technology in the drone and oil industries to the Islamic Republic. The Southern District Attorney's Office in Texas stated that a 76-year-old man has been arrested on charges of smuggling parts and components used in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as manned aircraft from the U.S. to Iran. The U.S. Attorney's Office identified the suspect as 'Gholamreza Goudarzi' or 'Ron Goudarzi' residing in Porter. He was arrested on August 30 (September 9) at George Bush Intercontinental Airport after a federal criminal complaint was filed. The statement says Goudarzi had his initial court appearance and will remain in custody until a detention hearing scheduled for September 5 (September 15) at 10 AM before U.S. Judge Ivan Ho. Matthew J. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, stated that the suspect had been using proxy destinations for years to export drone parts and other technologies that are restricted from being exported to Iran. This official from the U.S. Department of Justice mentioned that the suspect even 'concealed such items in his suitcase.' He stated that the department and its law enforcement partners are 'committed to enforcing strict export controls to protect U.S. national security.' According to court documents, Goudarzi is also accused of exporting oil and drilling industry components to Iran from December 1, 2020, to July 5, 2024, in addition to drone and aircraft-related parts. Based on the charges, Goudarzi purchased U.S.-origin parts from suppliers based in the United States and then typically exported them to Iran via Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He also traveled to Iran several times a year, concealing aircraft parts and other components in his luggage. If found guilty, Gholamreza Goudarzi could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Previously, several other citizens have been accused of smuggling U.S.-sanctioned parts and technology to Iran. The arrest of an Iranian-American in California; charge: attempting to illegally send aircraft parts to Iran. Indictment against a Pakistani captain and two Iranian smugglers; charge: conspiracy to supply and support the Islamic Republic's weapons of mass destruction program. Confession of an Iranian-American citizen to 'illegal export of industrial equipment to Iran' after two years. Arrest of a Pakistani national on charges of attempting to hire a 'hitman' on behalf of the Islamic Republic.