Iranian indicted for illicit metal exports

Iranian indicted for illicit metal exports    The U.S. Justice Department this week indicted an Iranian citizen and resident for illegally exporting and attempting to export specialized metals from the United States through companies in Turkey to several entities in Iran, including some entities that have been sanctioned for involvement in ballistic missile activities.
   The indictment charges Milad Jafari, 36, with one count of conspiracy to illegally export materials to Iran and to defraud the United States; five separate counts of illegal export and attempted illegal export of materials to Iran; and five additional counts of smuggling materials. It also seeks forfeiture of $177,867.92 in connection with these offenses.
   Jafari remains at large and is believed to be in Iran. He faces a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, 20 years in prison for each count of illegal exports to Iran, and 10 years in prison for each smuggling count.
   The Treasury Department also announced the designation of Jafari, several of his family members and associates, and several corporate entities in Iran and Turkey, which targets for sanctions proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters — thereby isolating them from the U.S. financial and commercial systems.
   According to Treasury, Jafari and his associates operate a procurement network that provides direct support to Iran’s missile program by securing metal products, including steel and aluminum alloys, for subordinates of Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).
   “Shutting down the illegal acquisition of material destined for use in weapons programs is among the highest priorities in the FBI,” said Sean Joyce, executive assistant director of the FBI’s National Security Branch, in a statement. “We’ll continue to pursue illegal acquisition efforts and protect our nation from the grave threat these WMD-related activities pose to our national security.”