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VEXTRA NEWS DESK: In a significant blow to international arms trafficking, U.S. federal authorities have arrested a woman at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for allegedly brokering massive weapons deals between the Iranian government and paramilitary forces in Sudan.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Shamim Mafi, an Iranian national, was detained by federal agents as she attempted to enter the United States. She is currently facing severe federal charges related to the illegal export of military-grade hardware, violating international sanctions and U.S. security laws.
The Alleged Operation: Drones, Bombs, and Ammunition
According to the unsealed federal indictment, Mafi acted as a high-level broker for the Iranian government. Between 2023 and 2024, she allegedly negotiated contracts worth over $70 million to supply the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan with advanced weaponry.
The smuggled items included:
- Armed Drones: Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and combat.
- Explosives: Thousands of specialized bombs and mortar shells.
- Ammunition: Millions of rounds of high-caliber ammunition.
Sophisticated Network and Front Companies
Investigations by U.S. Homeland Security and the FBI revealed that Mafi didn't operate directly from Iran. Instead, she utilized a sophisticated network involving a front company based in Oman. This entity was used to mask the origin of the weapons and launder the payments through various international bank accounts to avoid detection by global financial regulators.
The Legal Consequences
Shamim Mafi has been charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and money laundering. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The U.S. Department of Justice stated that this arrest highlights their commitment to preventing Iran from destabilizing other regions through illegal arms transfers. "We will continue to target and dismantle the networks that facilitate the movement of lethal weapons to conflict zones," a spokesperson remarked.
Current Status
Mafi remains in federal custody without bail as she awaits her next court hearing in California. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into other potential accomplices within the United States and the Middle East.
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Shamim Mafi, Arms Trafficking, Iran Sudan Weapons, LAX Arrest, Vextra News, International Security, Drone Smuggling.
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