The FBI has charged 5 men and 4 corporations with illegally exporting high-tech microelectronics to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Powers Act. Three of the men, including one from Aliso Viejo, were taken into custody in Houston, Texas. Two other men are believed to be out of the country.
The Iran-based company Faratel and Smart Power Systems in Texas were allegedly building uninterruptible power supplies and shipping them off for use by the Iranian Ministry of Defense, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the Iranian Centrifuge Technology Company. According to the FBI these electronics can be used in military equipment such as surface to air and cruise missiles. The indictment states the items would be shipped to a company in Taiwan, then on to a company in Turkey, which would then send them to Iran.
Each of the 5 men charged in this case face up to 20 years in Federal prison for illegally exporting goods, with more time possible for money laundering charges. The companies involved also face fines of up to $1 million for each violation of the International Emergency Powers Act.
If you or a loved one is charged with illegal exportation or money laundering, call Orange County criminal lawyer Staycie R. Sena immediately for a free consultation at (949) 477-8088.