An indictment filed in federal court accused Balli of planning to export
three 747s to Iran without a license. Balli was said to have financed the
purchase of the Boeing aircraft from an Iranian airline, which sought to use
the 747s for foreign routes.
In 2008, officials said, Balli violated an order by the Commerce
Department against exporting any item that required a license. Instead, the
company continued negotiations to purchase and deliver U.S.-origin aircraft
banned for export to Iran and other countries.
In all, Balli was fined $17 million, $15 million of which was part of a
civil settlement with the Commerce Department and Treasury Department.
Officials said this represented one of the largest fines for a U.S. export
violation.
"Balli Aviation Ltd. and Balli Group PLC are denied export privileges
for five years, although this penalty will be suspended provided that
neither Balli Aviation nor Balli Group commits any export violations and
pays the civil penalty," the Justice Department said.
Officials did not say whether the 747 was being operated by Iran for
civilian or military purposes. The aircraft was capable of being converted
into a platform for transport or airborne early-warning and alert.
"These charges reflect the commitment of the United States to vigorously
enforce our laws against corporations that illegally seek to acquire U.S.
aircraft from the U.S. on behalf of Iranian customers," Channing Phillips,
acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, said.
