Tech CEO Accused of Secret Shipments to Iran

Overview of Allegations

Former CIA station chief Dan Hoffman has discussed accusations against Jamshid Ghomi, a tech CEO alleged to have sold U.S. computer networking parts to Iran over a decade. Hoffman’s focus centered on the FBI’s counter-intelligence success in uncovering the scheme. He highlighted concerns about the impact on U.S. national security and Iran’s capacity to bolster its nuclear program using U.S. technology.

Federal Investigation

Federal prosecutors revealed that Ghomi, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen living in Newport Coast, California, used proceeds from this illicit scheme to fund his mansion’s construction. Ghomi faces charges of conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions laws. The allegations involve supplying export-restricted U.S. equipment to Iran, including entities associated with Iran’s military and nuclear programs.

“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,” stated Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.

Details of the Scheme

The arrest occurred within a broader federal effort to crack down on Iranian procurement networks and intelligence operations. Authorities have charged several Iranian nationals for similar activities. Ghomi, the founder and CEO of Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh Co. Ltd. (FPR) based in Tehran, is claimed to have evaded U.S. sanctions by transferring sophisticated equipment to Iranian entities through intermediaries in the United Arab Emirates.

Investigators claim the sanctioned-evasion scheme generated millions of dollars, which Ghomi then laundered through offshore companies and exchange houses in locations like the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the UAE. Court documents suggest over $15 million from Ghomi’s Iran-based business moved into U.S. financial accounts, including those for his mansion’s construction.

Financial Maneuvers and Tax Deviations

Prosecutors allege Ghomi provided false descriptions of transfers as “Buying Goods” or “For Consulting Fees.” Additionally, he reportedly informed the IRS that incoming funds were from a foreign inheritance while declaring minimal income on federal tax returns. Court documents highlight his highest annual income at approximately $20,684, with Ghomi seeking the Earned Income Tax Credit meant for low- and moderate-income workers.

Concurrent with filing these claims, Ghomi commenced construction of a 14,000-square-foot mansion valued at $35 million. He had purchased the lot in 2010 for $4.5 million and expended over $10 million on its construction. Federal authorities allege over $7 million linked to the sanctions-evasion scheme supported the mansion’s construction.

Equipment Supply and Evasion Tactics

Ghomi allegedly supplied crucial networking, security, and encryption products to Iran’s government. This includes the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, and other military-related entities. From 2017 through 2023, FPR purportedly provided U.S.-origin networking equipment to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, overseeing Iran’s nuclear pursuits. The U.S. State Department sanctioned this agency in 2020.

Between 2014 and 2018, Ghomi is accused of supplying over 250 metric tons of restricted equipment to Iran. Prosecutors maintain he knowingly breached U.S. sanctions and hid the operation carefully. Ghomi supposedly routed shipments through UAE-based front companies and kept his identity off relevant invoices and shipping documents.