Full Breakdown
Dual U.S.-Iranian Tech Executive Arrested for Supplying Computer Hardware to Iran
6/4/2026, 1:42:48 AM
Arrest at a $35 Million Newport Beach Mansion
On June 3, 2026, federal agents executed a predawn raid on a 14,000-square-foot mansion at 31 High Water in Newport Coast, California. The operation resulted in the arrest of Jamshid Ghomi, 63, a dual U.S.–Iranian citizen, on a charge of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Agents entered with power tools and evidence boxes, escorted Ghomi’s wife and two adult sons outside, and interviewed Ghomi through an interpreter before placing him in a waiting SUV. A resident was heard asking, “What’s going on?” as the raid unfolded.
Background: Sanctions, Procurement Scheme, and Key Figures
U.S. sanctions bar the export of computer networking components to Iran, a designated state sponsor of terrorism. Prosecutors allege that for more than a decade Ghomi, founder and chief executive of Tehran-based firm Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh, used personal eBay and PayPal accounts, a United Arab Emirates front company, and Dubai freight forwarders to acquire U.S.-origin equipment from suppliers in Minnesota and Nebraska and ship it to Iran. Internal messages reportedly referred to Iran as the “Motherland.” Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, leads the prosecution.
Alleged Violations: Scope and Financials
Prosecutors claim Ghomi arranged shipments of more than 250 metric tons of controlled networking gear and hundreds of additional purchases between 2011 and 2023. The equipment was allegedly delivered to hundreds of Iranian companies and government entities, including the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics. Ghomi is accused of generating over $10 million in annual sales while reporting no more than $20,000 to the IRS. His most visible asset is a $35 million ocean-front mansion.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Essayli said the United States will enforce sanctions against a state sponsor of terrorism, seek an appropriate prison term, and seize Ghomi’s assets, including the mansion. Federal investigators also disclosed parallel probes into possible money-laundering and tax-evasion violations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the charges; the exact monetary value of the hardware shipments has not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ghomi is accused of aiding our declared enemies by selling US-origin computer networking parts to Iran and earning millions of dollars in violation of US sanction laws,” — Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney
- “Our nation’s laws prohibiting doing business with one of the world’s largest state sponsors of terrorism must be enforced and obeyed. We will hold him accountable by seeking an appropriate prison sentence and by seizing his assets, including his $35 million Newport Beach mansion.” — Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney
- “Our nation’s laws prohibiting doing business with one of the world’s largest state sponsors of terrorism must be enforced and obeyed.” — Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney
- “What’s going on?” — Occupant of the Newport Beach mansion
What’s Next
Ghomi will appear before the Santa Ana federal court on June 3, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and forfeiture of the mansion. Authorities continue probing money-laundering and tax-evasion allegations.
