Federal Authorities Arrest Naturalized Citizen in Arms Trafficking Case

Shamim Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, California, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday for her alleged involvement in brokering the sale of Iranian-made drones, explosives, and ammunition to Sudan. Mafi, originally from Iran, was attempting to board a flight to Turkey at the time of her apprehension.

Details of the Alleged Scheme

Charges and Accusations

Mafi is charged with violating 50 U.S.C. 1705, a law concerning international emergency economic powers. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated the charges relate to orchestrating deals to supply Sudan with advanced military hardware.

Weapons Involved

Investigators allege Mafi facilitated the shipment of sophisticated surveillance and attack drones, explosive bomb fuses, various assault weapons, and millions of rounds of ammunition, all reportedly manufactured in Iran. The illicit exports are considered a direct threat to national security and global stability.

Potential Penalties and Background

If convicted, Mafi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Prosecutors intend to emphasize that she obtained U.S. citizenship in 2016, framing her actions as a breach of trust.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Next Steps

Mafi is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on Monday afternoon. Law enforcement continues to investigate the extent of her network and identify any additional conspirators.

Department of Justice Efforts

This case underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to dismantling transnational smuggling rings and enforcing international sanctions and arms embargos, particularly those linked to state-sponsored activities like those allegedly conducted by the Iranian government. The investigation involved monitoring suspicious travel and communication patterns.