Scheme to Evade Sanctions Threatened National Security, Prosecutors Say
A Lebanese salesman, Brian Assi, 63, was sentenced to 44 months in prison for orchestrating a scheme to illegally export $2.7 million in U.S.-made blasthole drills to Iran, violating U.S. sanctions, the Justice Department announced.
Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, conspired with Tehran-based Sakht Abzar Pars Co. to ship the mining equipment through Turkey, deceiving his employer by claiming the drills were destined for Iraq.
He falsified export records in the Automated Export System, concealing Iran’s involvement.
Convicted in October 2024, Assi’s actions threatened U.S. national security by aiding a state sponsor of terrorism, prosecutors said.
“This case exposes vulnerabilities in export controls,” said Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg.
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security investigated, highlighting the ongoing challenge of enforcing sanctions against Iran.
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