Photo: ATTA KENARE / AFP / Getty Images
A California-based tech CEO, Jamshid Ghomi, was arrested for allegedly supplying U.S. equipment to Iran's nuclear and military programs. Ghomi, a 63-year-old dual Iranian and U.S. citizen residing in Newport Coast, California, faces charges of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), according to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announcement on Wednesday (June 3).
Ghomi is accused of procuring sophisticated U.S.-origin networking, security, and encryption equipment for Iranian customers, including the Iranian regime's nuclear and military establishments. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg stated, "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."
The DOJ revealed that Ghomi moved over $15 million from Iran into his U.S. bank accounts and a separate escrow account, falsely reporting the money to the IRS as a foreign inheritance. His federal tax returns reported minimal income, with his highest annual income being $20,684. Despite this, he claimed a tax break intended for low- to moderate-income individuals in seven different tax years, while reporting over $1.7 million in mortgage interest and $1.25 million in state and local real-estate taxes.
The DOJ further alleged that Ghomi used proceeds from his "sanctions-evasion scheme" to fund the construction of a multi-million dollar mansion in Orange County. The National Security Division emphasized its commitment to holding accountable those who violate U.S. laws to further Iran's nuclear ambitions.