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20h ago

California Tech CEO Arrested on Federal Charge of Supplying U.S. Equipment to Iran

Prosecutors say the June arrest caps a years‑long investigation into alleged sanctions evasion, money laundering and planned asset forfeiture tied to Iran’s nuclear and military entities.

Federal officials are also seeking to seize assets allegedly tied to the scheme, including Ghomi’s Newport Coast mansion, valued at roughly $35 million. (Photo: DOJ)
Federal officials are also seeking to seize assets allegedly tied to the scheme, including Ghomi’s Newport Coast mansion, valued at roughly $35 million. (Photo: DOJ)
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Overview

  • Federal authorities arrested Jamshid Ghomi on Wednesday and charged him in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for allegedly sending U.S.‑origin networking, security and encryption gear to Iran.
  • Prosecutors allege Ghomi’s Tehran firm, Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh Co., supplied equipment to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran from 2017–2023 and to Iran’s Ministry of Defense from 2014–2022.
  • Investigators say Ghomi used personal e‑commerce accounts, UAE front companies and freight forwarders, falsified shipping paperwork, and hid shipments to move more than 250 metric tons of U.S. equipment into Iran between 2014 and 2018.
  • The complaint states Ghomi laundered over $15 million into U.S. accounts from 2011–2024, used some funds to build a Newport Coast mansion prosecutors say they will seek to forfeit, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
  • The case is led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California with IRS Criminal Investigation and the Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security involved, and the complaint’s allegations remain to be proven in court.