Dutch firm, executives commit illegal U.S. exports

Dutch firm, executives commit illegal U.S. exports    A Dutch aviation services company and two managers — a father-and-son duo — pleaded guilty Thursday in Washington to federal charges related to a conspiracy to illegally export U.S.-origin aircraft parts to entities in Iran via the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates and Cyprus.
   Aviation Services International B.V. (ASI), and Dutch citizens Robert Kraaipoel, 66, and Robert Neils Kraaipoel, 40, were charged with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transactions Regulations by failing to obtain licenses from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The violations occurred between 2005 and 2007.
   The Kraaipoels each face a potential sentence of five years in jail and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss. ASI has agreed to pay a $100,000 fine and a five-year corporate probation.
   The U.S. government said the defendants caused certain U.S. companies to ship materials to ASI in the Netherlands or to addresses in other countries, including the U.A.E. and Cyprus. Upon arrival in the Netherlands or these other countries, the ordered materials were repackaged and transshipped to Iran.
   “Combating illegal transshipment of U.S.-origin items to Iran is a significant challenge and one of our top priorities,” said Kevin Delli-Colli, the Commerce Department’s acting assistant secretary for export enforcement, in a statement. “Willful violations will be pursued regardless of where the perpetrators may reside.”