Iranian-American Tech CEO Charged with Violating U.S. Sanctions

Introduction

Former CIA station chief Dan Hoffman commented on a case where tech CEO Jamshid Ghomi allegedly sent U.S. computer networking parts to Iran. Hoffman highlighted the FBI’s role in uncovering this tech scheme and discussed potential impacts on national security and Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

The Allegations

Jamshid Ghomi, 63, is a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen accused of supporting Iran’s military and nuclear programs. He allegedly used proceeds from the scheme, totaling millions, to fund a mansion in Newport Beach according to federal prosecutors.

Charges and Actions

Ghomi faces charges of conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions laws. He is accused of supplying restricted American technology to Iranian customers linked to military and nuclear programs.

“As alleged, Ghomi enriched himself by supplying U.S. technology to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and other sanctioned entities responsible for Iran’s nuclear program,” stated Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.

Broader Crackdown

This arrest is part of a wider federal effort to tackle Iranian procurement networks. Numerous Iranian nationals have been charged with obtaining U.S. technology for military purposes.

Financial Details

Ghomi reportedly financed his $35 million mansion with funds from illegal sales of U.S. technology, funneled through several offshore entities.

The Scheme

The complaint states Ghomi laundered proceeds from his Iran-based business using companies in the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the UAE. Over 13 years, more than $15 million flowed into U.S. accounts, financing his mansion’s construction.

False Reports

He allegedly made false money transfers described as “Buying Goods” or “Consulting Fees” and reported them as foreign inheritance to the IRS.

Mansion Construction

Documents show his reported highest annual income was $20,684; yet, he claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit multiple times. Ghomi built a 14,000-square-foot mansion after purchasing a lot for approximately $4.5 million.

Alleged Violations

Ghomi allegedly aided “our declared enemies” by selling restricted American technology to Iran, earning millions illegally according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

Entities Involved

FPR reportedly supplied American-made products to key Iranian organizations, including the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the Ministry of Defense.

U.S. Sanctions

Prosecutors claim FPR supplied networking equipment to AEOI from 2017-2023. AEOI, overseeing Iran’s nuclear program, was sanctioned by the U.S. State Department in 2020.

Concealed Operations

Ghomi supplied over 250 metric tons of equipment to Iran between 2014 and 2018. He allegedly routed shipments through UAE-based companies to hide their origin and instructed associates to exclude his name from official documents.

Potential Sentence

If convicted, Ghomi could face up to 20 years in prison.