U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an Iranian national, Bahram Mohammad Ostovari, on July 10 at Los Angeles International Airport for violating U.S. export laws. The arrest was made by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang.
Ostovari is accused of exporting U.S.-made electronic components used in railway signaling and telecommunications systems to Iran through his companies in the United Arab Emirates. He faces charges including violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Iranian transactions and sanctions regulations, unlawful export information activities, outbound smuggling, conspiracy to commit these offenses, and money laundering.
From May 2018 to July 2025, Ostovari allegedly shipped sophisticated computer processors and railway signaling equipment to Iran without a license. After becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States in May 2020, he continued supplying electronics to a Tehran-based engineering company he owned.
Ostovari reportedly directed false information be provided to federal export control officers regarding the end use of U.S.-origin goods. He also concealed the identities of ultimate end users from U.S.-based companies by providing misleading information.
An indictment alleges criminal activity but presumes innocence until proven guilty in court. If convicted, Ostovari could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each count.
The investigation involved ICE HSI Los Angeles, the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Information on illegal exports can be reported via the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423.
