Full Breakdown
Dual-Citizen Tech CEO Jamshid Ghomi Arrested for Alleged Sanctions Violations
6/6/2026, 11:29:24 PM
Arrest and Charges
On June 3, 2023, federal agents arrested Jamshid Ghomi, a 63-year-old dual U.S.–Iranian citizen and CEO of Tehran-based Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh Co. Ltd. (FPR), at his Newport Coast home. He faces an IEEPA charge for exporting U.S. networking and encryption equipment to Iran’s nuclear and military programs without OFAC licenses. Officials include Attorney Bill Essayli and IRS Criminal Investigation’s Acting Special Agent Darren Lian.
Timeline and Scale of the Smuggling Operation
From 2010 to 2023 Ghomi bought a $4.49 million Newport Coast lot, built a $35 million mansion, and used eBay, PayPal, and UAE intermediaries to ship controlled U.S. tech. Prosecutors say over 250 metric tons of networking gear were smuggled (2014-2018), with FPR supplying encryption hardware to Iran’s Ministry of Defense (2014-2022) and networking equipment to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (2017-2023). The firm earned >$10 million annually; >$15 million was laundered via shell companies in the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the UAE.
Security Implications
If the smuggled networking and encryption gear was integrated into Iran’s nuclear centrifuges or missile guidance, it could have bolstered a state designated as a terrorism sponsor. The case highlights enforcement against illicit technology transfers via consumer platforms like eBay and PayPal.
Government Response and Legal Status
Attorney Essayli stressed enforcing sanctions against a major state sponsor of terrorism and announced pursuit of a prison term and asset seizure. Lian said the arrest shows a broader commitment to disrupt illegal technology flows. The complaint is an allegation; Ghomi has entered no plea and is presumed innocent.
Conflicting Information and Gaps
Sources differ on the scheme’s start date—some cite 2009, others 2011. Authorities have not confirmed whether any of the equipment is currently operating in Iran’s military or nuclear infrastructure, nor identified other U.S. suppliers who may have knowingly assisted.
Future Proceedings
A bail hearing is set for June 4, 2023, with an arraignment on July 13. Prosecutors intend to seek forfeiture of the $35 million mansion and other assets if Ghomi is convicted.
Verbatim Quotes
“Ghomi is accused of aiding our declared enemies by selling U.S.-origin computer networking parts to Iran and earning millions of dollars in violation of U.S. sanction laws,” — Bill Essayli, First Assistant United States 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
“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,” — Darren Lian, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation
“We will continue to work with our partners to safeguard national security by utilizing our financial investigative expertise.” — Darren Lian
