The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a California-based tech CEO accused of illegally supplying American computer Hardware to Iran’s military and nuclear establishment in what prosecutors describe as a years-long sanctions evasion scheme worth millions of dollars.
According to the US Department of Justice (DoJ), 63-year-old Jamshid Ghomi, a dual US-Iranian citizen and CEO of Tehran-based technology company Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh (FPR), was taken into custody after federal authorities raided his multimillion-dollar Southern California property.
Ghomi has been charged with violating longstanding US sanctions against Iran by allegedly selling restricted US-origin computer networking equipment to the Iranian government, including organizations linked to Iran’s nuclear and military operations.
FBI Raids Multi-Million-Dollar Southern California Mansion
Federal agents raided Ghomi’s sprawling mansion in Newport Coast, Southern California — a luxury estate prosecutors say was built using proceeds from the alleged illegal operation.
The Department of Justice alleges that Ghomi used profits from the scheme to purchase a $4 million parcel of land in Orange County before spending an additional $10 million constructing the mansion. Reports circulating online have valued the estate at approximately $35 million.
US Attorney Bill Essayli described the allegations as a serious national security threat.
“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,” Essayli said.
Accused of Supplying Equipment to Iran’s Military and Nuclear Programs
According to DOJ, Ghomi allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated sanctions-evasion network between 2011 and 2024 to ship restricted US technology to Iran.
The DoJ claims Ghomi purchased hundreds of tonnes of computer networking hardware and covertly routed shipments through intermediaries in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly via Dubai-based freight forwarders, to conceal Iran as the final destination.
Authorities allege that between 2011 and 2015, Ghomi used personal eBay and PayPal accounts to purchase more than 400 shipments of networking equipment, later transferring them to Iran.
By 2018, prosecutors say the operation had expanded significantly, with more than 250 tonnes of networking equipment allegedly smuggled into Iran.
Investigators further claim Ghomi personally negotiated purchases from US suppliers in states including Minnesota and Nebraska as recently as 2023.
Links to Iran’s Nuclear Agency Alleged
One of the most serious allegations involves claims that Ghomi supplied equipment to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), the agency responsible for Iran’s nuclear program.
According to the Department of Justice, Ghomi allegedly provided US-origin networking equipment to the AEOI between 2017 and 2023.
The AEOI was sanctioned by the United States in 2020 over alleged violations related to uranium stockpile and enrichment limits.
Prosecutors also cited a 2017 contract allegedly signed by Ghomi with Iran Computer Industries that reportedly identified Iran’s Ministry of Defense as the end recipient of some equipment shipments.
Elaborate Scheme to Hide Transactions
Federal prosecutors allege Ghomi used elaborate financial and logistical methods to evade sanctions and obscure the origin and destination of shipments.
The indictment claims he routed products through UAE-based intermediaries and funneled at least $15 million in proceeds into US bank accounts.
Authorities say the alleged scheme generated millions of dollars over more than a decade while bypassing strict US sanctions designed to prevent sensitive technology from reaching Iran’s military and nuclear sectors.
What Charges Does Jamshid Ghomi Face?
Ghomi faces multiple federal charges related to sanctions violations and illegal exports to Iran.
If convicted, he could face a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years.
The case comes amid heightened US scrutiny of sanctions enforcement and growing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear Programme
Federal investigators have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests or corporate entities could be implicated in the case.