A 44-year-old Iranian citizen, Reza Dindar, was extradited from Panama to the United States last week and is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle on April 20 on a nine-count indictment related to alleged violations of trade sanctions against Iran, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd said. Dindar was indicted by a grand jury in August 2014 and arrested in Panama in July 2025 at the request of U.S. authorities.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement agencies to enforce export control laws and protect national security. The indictment alleges that Dindar managed New Port Sourcing Solutions in Xi’an, China, which concealed its procurement of goods from the United States for companies in Iran by claiming the items were destined for China.
"The members of this conspiracy thought they could evade export restrictions by shipping goods through a third country – in this case China," Floyd said. "But law enforcement uncovered the scheme, and the grand jury returned the indictment leading to the appearance today." According to court documents, between 2010 and 2014 Dindar and his associates used deception to purchase parts for military sonar systems from a business located within Western Washington. The indictment states that these parts were ultimately intended for shipment through China to Iran.
BIS Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement David Peters said: "The Bureau of Industry and Security is committed to enforcing the nation’s export control laws. This indictment and extradition are evidence of that commitment." Eddy Wang, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles, also commented: "This successful extradition marks a significant step towards accountability for members of this conspiracy whose actions posed a threat to our national security... actors who attempt to exploit the U.S. trade system and provide sensitive technology... will face consequences despite their efforts to evade justice abroad."
Dindar faces charges including conspiracy, exporting goods to an embargoed country, smuggling goods from the United States, money laundering involving $97,600 sent for purchases from American businesses, and filing false export records. If convicted on all counts he could face up to twenty years imprisonment.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement; prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg with support from other federal departments.
According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington promotes community safety through programs addressing gun violence and online threats; it operates offices in Seattle and Tacoma; it is part of the Department of Justice; includes about eighty-five attorneys with seventy support staff; handles federal prosecutions as well as civil litigation; covers areas including Seattle and Tacoma; enforces criminal laws alongside law enforcement partners while providing legal counsel on behalf of government interests—and staffs more than one hundred fifty people leading federal drug court programs.
