Joe Sery, the former owner and CEO of Tungsten Heavy Powder and Parts, a San Diego-based company that provides weapon-grade components for U.S. military contracts, was charged with violations of federal export laws outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
An investigation carried out by several governmental agencies including the U.S. Army, Homeland Security Investigation and the Department of Justice was unsealed following Sery's March 4 indictment. According to the indictment, between January 2016 and December 2019, Sery entered into several contracts with various defense and aerospace companies through the use of a non-THPP email to discretely receive ITAR documents.
“This arrest highlights the outstanding partnerships between HSI and the Department of Defense’s investigative agencies who work tirelessly every day to ensure our protected military technology and weaponry are not used by foreign actors against our warfighters and allies on the battlefield,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “This arrest sends a clear message that those entrusted with our country’s military technology and weaponry will be held responsible for its safeguarding.”
The indictment further alleges Sery willingly exported to the People's Republic of China, the Republic of India and other nations without getting permission from the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
