Feds bust up Iranian export ring involved in IED making

Feds bust up Iranian export ring involved in IED making The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security on Sept. 17 announced 75 additions to its Entity List due to their involvement in a global procurement network.
   The network sought to illegally acquire U.S.-origin dual-use and military components for the Iranian government, and for their relationship to the Mayrow General Trading company.
   Parties to the Entity List are subject to a general policy of denial for the export or re-export of any item subject to the Export Administration Regulations.
   “This extensive, effective government effort has broken up a lethal international ring seeking to harm American and allied forces as well as innocent civilians by acquiring sensitive U.S. technology capable of producing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) similar to those being used in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Commerce Undersecretary Mario Mancuso in a statement.
   The Commerce Department's actions are being taken in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of Florida, which on Wednesday unsealed an indictment naming 16 foreign-based defendants involved in the criminal network.
   These defendants are charged with conspiracy and violations involving the Iran Trade Embargo, the Iranian Transactions Regulations, the Export Administration Regulations, and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
   Investigation of the Iranian export ring started in July 2006, and involved investigators from the Commerce, Homeland Security, Defense, State and Treasury departments.