United States - Ekhbary News Agency
Federal agents in Los Angeles have arrested Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian American woman, on suspicion of illicit arms trafficking. According to federal prosecutors, Mafi is accused of brokering the sale of Iranian-manufactured drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition to contacts in Africa, including Sudan. The arrest took place Saturday night at Los Angeles International Airport, marking a significant development in efforts to curb illegal weapons proliferation.
Mafi, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. since 2016, reportedly traveled frequently between the U.S., Iran, Turkey, and Oman. A criminal complaint indicates she resided in Istanbul from 2013 to 2016 and informed federal officials that her first husband was an officer for Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security. Mafi and a co-conspirator allegedly used their company, Atlas International, to facilitate these illicit arms deals, including a contract valued over €60 million for Iranian drones to Sudan's Ministry of Defense. If convicted, Mafi faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
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