WASHINGTON — The United States has convicted an American of
exporting dual-use components destined for Iran that could be used in bombs.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency said Mohammad
Fazeli, a 27-year-old Los Angeles resident, has pleaded guilty to an attempt
to export the components. Fazeli, an
American of Iranian descent, was arrested on March 16 on charges of trying
to ship sensors to Iran by way of a third country, Middle East Newsline reported.
Over the last 27 years, the United States has barred most military and
dual-use technology and components to Iran. In the late 1970s, Congress
passed the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which stipulated a
license for most technology shipments to Iran.
The sensors have been produced by the U.S. firm Honeywell. ICE said that
on May 8 Fazeli admitted to one count of an attempt to illegally export more
than 100 of the sensors.
"The sensors, which detect the pressure of liquid or gas, could
potentially be used to detonate explosive devices," the agency said in a
statement.
In September 2004, Fazeli was said to have ordered 103 pressure sensors
through a website operated by a U.S. electronics firm. Officials said the
company had warned him that its products required an export license.
ICE said Fazeli sought to sell the banned electronic components through
the United Arab Emirates. From the UAE, the agency said, the sensors were meant
to be transported to Iran.
"Despite that, after receiving the parts, Fazeli allegedly attempted to
send them to the United Arab Emirates, with the understanding that the
devices would ultimately be shipped to Iran," the agency said.
Fazeli, convicted of violating the IEEPA, was scheduled to be sentenced
on Aug. 7. Officials said he faces a jail term of up to 10 years.
Officials said this was the latest case of an Iranian attempt to import
U.S. military and dual-use components and systems. They said Iran has
focused on components for U.S.-origin F-14 and F-4 fighter-aircraft procured
by Teheran in the 1970s.