A U.S.-Iranian national, Jeffrey Chance Nader, has been indicted for unlawfully exporting aircraft components to Iran, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Nader, 66, faces charges related to the illegal export of American-manufactured aircraft components, including those used in military aircraft, to Iran, violating U.S. economic sanctions and other federal laws. He was arrested in California on Tuesday.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen emphasized the commitment to investigate and hold accountable those who supply sensitive technology to hostile governments, contravening U.S. sanctions.
The indictment alleges that Nader and his associates conspired to purchase and export nearly three dozen aircraft components, some of which are used in military aircraft like the F-4 fighter jet operated by Iran’s armed forces.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves highlighted the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring U.S. parts, citing Iran’s attacks on U.S. allies and its supply of drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.
The investigation, conducted by the FBI and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, revealed that Nader falsely identified himself and his company, Pro Aero Capital, to U.S.-based suppliers as the end user of the items.
Despite attempts to ship the components to the United Arab Emirates for eventual delivery to Iran, the items were intercepted by a Commerce Department special agent and were not successfully exported.
Iran’s History of Illegally Acquiring Aircraft Parts
Iran has a longstanding history of attempting to acquire aircraft parts through illicit means, often circumventing international sanctions, to sustain and expand its military capabilities.
Drone and Aircraft Engine Parts (2012-2023): Over the past decade, Iran has imported at least $236 million worth of aircraft and drone engine parts from countries including Turkey, the UAE, Germany, Ukraine, and even the United States. This includes $26 million worth of items listed as prohibited under U.S. Treasury sanctions imported in just the first eight months of the current Iranian year, which began on March 21, 2023.
Mahan Air’s Role: Mahan Air, an airline linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has been instrumental in Iran’s efforts to bypass sanctions. The airline has been used to transport weapons, military equipment, and IRGC personnel to conflict zones such as Syria. This activity highlights Iran’s ongoing attempts to acquire necessary equipment for its military and regional proxies.
Purchase of Decommissioned Airliners (2023): In December 2023, Iran imported four decommissioned Airbus A340 airliners through questionable channels. These aircraft, previously operated by Turkish Airlines, were reportedly transferred to Johannesburg, South Africa, before being diverted to Tehran. The planes have reportedly joined Mahan Air’s fleet, which underscores Iran’s strategy to update its aging fleet despite international restrictions.
Increased Imports Post-Ukraine Invasion (2022): Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Iran’s import of aircraft propulsion parts increased significantly. In the eight months ending in November 2023, the import volume exceeded that of the entire previous year. Key sources of these imports included Turkey, Hong Kong, the UAE, and China.
Source » irannewsupdate