CANADIAN EXPORTER PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL SHIPMENTS TO IRAN, IRAQ

   Abdulamir Mahdi, a Canadian businessman, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday for violating U.S. export controls by diverting equipment to Iran and Iraq.
   Mahdi operated two Canadian companies, OTS Refining Equipment Corp. and Tech-Link Development Corp., to buy U.S. oil-field and industrial equipment for diversion to Iran and Iraq. U.S. law prohibits the shipment of industrial equipment to Iran and Iraq because of these countries’ past terrorist connections.
   The U.S. Export Administration’s Enforcement Office in Miami has been investigating Mahdi’s activities for about three years. The agency was initially tipped off by a manufacturer. U.S. Customs, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and federal prosecutors were also involved in the case.
   Mahdi’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 19. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.