United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy | U.S. Department of Justice
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian national from Natick, Massachusetts, and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, also known as Mohammad Abedini, from Tehran, Iran, have been charged in Boston federal court. The charges involve conspiring to export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran in violation of U.S. export control and sanctions laws. Additionally, Abedini faces charges for providing material support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which led to the deaths of three U.S. servicemembers in Jordan.
Sadeghi was arrested and appeared in the District of Massachusetts court today. His detention hearing is set for December 27, 2024. Meanwhile, Italian authorities arrested Abedini at the request of the United States.
Court documents indicate that Abedini founded San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co. (SDRA), an Iranian company manufacturing navigation modules for IRGC military drones. The company's primary product is the Sepehr Navigation System used in UAVs and missiles. Sadeghi worked with a Massachusetts-based microelectronics manufacturer and co-founded a technology company specializing in wearable sensors.
The allegations suggest that Sadeghi traveled to Iran around 2016 seeking funding for his company from the Iranian National Elites Foundation (INEF). In return for this funding, Sadeghi formed another company in Iran that contracted with SDRA for its technology. Since then, Sadeghi allegedly helped Abedini procure U.S.-controlled electronic components for use by SDRA.
To bypass U.S. export restrictions to Iran, Abedini established Illumove SA as a front company in Switzerland for SDRA. With Sadeghi's assistance, they entered into contracts with U.S.-based companies to develop mechanisms involving sophisticated semiconductors later transferred to Iran.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated: “Today’s arrests demonstrate that the Justice Department will hold accountable those who enable the Iranian regime to continue to target and kill Americans.” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco added: “Our message is unmistakable: if you provide support... we will find you.”
The case highlights efforts by U.S authorities including FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate who emphasized: “These perpetrators allegedly facilitated the transfer of electronic components... used in various terrorist acts.”
Abedini faces life imprisonment if convicted on charges related to providing material support resulting in death. Both defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment on conspiracy charges under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act.
The case prosecution involves multiple entities including Assistant United States Attorneys Jared Dolan and Alathea Porter alongside other legal experts within various national security divisions.
