Two individuals, an Iranian-American and a Swiss-Iranian, have been arrested and charged by United States authorities for allegedly exporting sensitive technology to Iran. This technology was reportedly used in a January 2024 drone strike that killed three US soldiers and injured 47 others at a military outpost in Jordan near the Syrian border.
The attack was claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias. The tragic event has raised concerns about the export of sensitive technology and its misuse in armed conflicts.
Arrests and Charges
Federal prosecutors in Boston charged Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, also known as Mohammad Abedini, and Mahdi Sadeghi, for conspiring to violate US export laws. Abedini, a dual citizen of Switzerland and Iran, co-founded an Iranian-based company implicated in the case. He was arrested in Milan, Italy, and awaits extradition to the US. Sadeghi, an Iranian-born US citizen residing in Natick, Massachusetts, was arrested locally.
Technology Trail
US authorities revealed that Abedini used a Swiss-based company as a front to acquire sensitive US technologies. These included accelerometers and gyroscopes manufactured by Analog Devices, a Massachusetts-based semiconductor company where Sadeghi was employed.
The navigation equipment traced to Abedini’s Iranian company, SDRA, was integral to the drone’s operation, according to the FBI’s findings.
Official Statements
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the importance of safeguarding sensitive technologies, stating:
“Today, working with our partners here and abroad, we have charged and arrested two men who conspired to evade US sanctions and supply the Iranian government with the type of drone navigation technology used in that attack.”
Read the official statement in full on the US Department of Justice’s website.
Company Involvement
Analog Devices confirmed Sadeghi’s employment and stated their commitment to cooperating with law enforcement. They emphasized their dedication to preventing unauthorized access to sensitive technology.
Disruptive Technology Strike Force
The arrests were coordinated by the US government’s Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency initiative aimed at preventing sensitive technologies from being exploited by hostile nation-states. This reflects ongoing efforts to secure US supply chains against illicit actors.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the critical challenges of enforcing export controls and mitigating the risks of advanced technologies being weaponized. The drone strike in Jordan underscores the deadly consequences of such lapses.
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