California tech CEO accused of smuggling US equipment to Irans military, nuclear programs

LOS ANGELES – A dual U.S.-Iranian citizen and technology CEO has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly running a massive, decade-long scheme to smuggle sophisticated U.S. computer networking and encryption equipment to Iran’s military and nuclear programs. 

What we know:

FPR's annual sales exceeded $10 million, with a customer base that included sensitive Iranian state entities, officials said.

Additionally, from 2014 to 2022, Ghomi’s company allegedly provided security and encryption hardware to Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.

He reportedly disguised these transfers as “foreign inheritances” or “consulting fees” on his tax returns. 

The ongoing investigation is being spearheaded by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, with the Major Frauds Section prosecuting the case. 

While the federal complaint outlines the volume of equipment smuggled—including more than 250 metric tons of networking gear between 2014 and 2018 alone—the full extent of the national security breach remains unclear. 

Timeline:

What they’re saying:

“Today's arrest reflects our commitment to disrupt the illegal flow of American technology to foreign nations, especially our adversaries. As alleged, Mr. Ghomi spent years exploiting United States financial systems and procurement channels to move controlled equipment to Iran while hiding his activities behind front companies and falsified documentation,” said Darren Lian, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation's Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to work with our partners to safeguard national security by utilizing our financial investigative expertise.”

Ghomi is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon at the United States District Court in Santa Ana.