United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy | U.S. Department of Justice
Two individuals have been indicted on charges related to a scheme to export electronic components from the United States to Iran. Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian national from Natick, Massachusetts, and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, also known as Mohammad Abedini, of Tehran, Iran, face multiple counts including conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR).
Abedini faces additional charges for allegedly providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death. This follows an incident on January 28, 2024, when three U.S. service members were killed in a drone attack by IRGC-backed militants at a military base in northern Jordan. Court documents indicate that the drone's navigation system was manufactured by Abedini’s company.
The defendants were charged by criminal complaint on December 16, 2024. Sadeghi was arrested in Massachusetts while Abedini was detained in Italy pending extradition proceedings.
Abedini is linked with San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co., which produces navigation modules used in drones for the IRGC’s military program. The United States designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization in April 2019.
According to allegations, Sadeghi and Abedini conspired to evade U.S. export controls by procuring technology from U.S.-based companies for use in Iran. In 2016, Sadeghi traveled to Iran seeking funding for his company from the Iranian National Elites Foundation. He subsequently helped procure electronic components for Abedini’s use through a Swiss front company named Illumove SA.
Abedini is accused of supplying material support to the IRGC Aerospace Force since around 2014. Between 2021 and 2022, most sales of SDRA's Sepehr Navigation System went to this force.
If convicted under IEEPA violations, both face up to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $1 million each. For providing material support resulting in death, Abedini could face life imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jared Dolan and Alathea Porter among others. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs is aiding with extradition efforts.
This prosecution is part of an effort coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force aimed at preventing critical technology acquisitions by hostile nations.
Charges remain allegations until proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.
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