Federal authorities have arrested Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old lawful permanent resident of the United States, at Los Angeles International Airport. The arrest took place as she was preparing to board an international flight, according to officials.
The case stems from an ongoing investigation into alleged arms brokering activities tied to Iran. Authorities stated that the arrest followed a detailed inquiry into international transactions involving restricted military equipment.
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According to a federal criminal complaint, Mafi faces charges related to brokering the sale of weapons and military materials. These reportedly include drones, bombs, bomb components, and large quantities of ammunition.
Prosecutors allege that these items were manufactured in Iran and intended for sale to Sudan. The transactions described in the complaint involve equipment subject to U.S. sanctions and export controls.
The charges include conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that governs economic transactions involving sanctioned countries and entities. Authorities claim that required U.S. licenses were not obtained.
If convicted, Mafi could face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. Officials emphasized that the charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the judicial system.
Court documents outline several specific transactions under investigation. One example includes a contract reportedly valued at more than $70 million for the sale of Iranian-made drones to Sudan’s defense authorities.
Additional allegations involve the transfer of tens of thousands of bomb fuses and large-scale ammunition deals. These reportedly include millions of rounds of ammunition, with some proposed contracts reaching significantly higher quantities.
Investigators claim that financial transactions related to these deals were routed through third countries. These reportedly included Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, using a company registered in Oman.
Authorities allege that these arrangements were designed to bypass U.S. sanctions and financial monitoring systems. Such methods are commonly examined in cases involving international trade restrictions.
The complaint also states that Mafi maintained contact with individuals linked to Iranian government institutions. Records cited in the filing describe repeated communications over a period of several years.
During interviews with U.S. law enforcement, including the FBI and customs officials, Mafi acknowledged certain communications referenced in the investigation. Statements attributed to her are included in the complaint.
Officials say the alleged activities were carried out across multiple countries. Locations mentioned include the United States, Iran, Turkey, and Oman, among others.
Bill Essayli, representing the Central District of California, confirmed the arrest in a public statement. He outlined the charges and the potential penalties associated with the case.
Mafi is expected to appear in federal court for initial proceedings. As with all criminal cases, she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through the legal process.