Overview
- Mafi, who was arrested Saturday night at LAX while preparing to fly to Istanbul, is charged with violating U.S. sanctions law for brokering Iran-made weapons to Sudan.
- Prosecutors say the case falls under 50 U.S.C. § 1705, which carries a maximum 20-year prison term, with an initial court appearance set for Monday in downtown Los Angeles.
- Court filings describe a contract topping $70 million for Mohajer-6 armed drones, a sale of about 55,000 bomb fuses, and multiple ammunition deals involving millions of rounds.
- Investigators allege she used an Oman-registered firm, Atlas International Business, and routed payments through Turkey and the UAE to bypass required U.S. licenses and sanctions.
- The complaint cites dozens of contacts with Iran’s intelligence ministry and links to IRGC-associated figures, while officials note the alleged supply line would fuel a Sudan conflict that has killed and displaced large numbers of civilians.