SouthernWorldwide.com – A dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, identified as Jamshid Ghomi, 63, is facing federal charges for allegedly facilitating the acquisition of sensitive American technology by Iran’s military and nuclear programs. Prosecutors claim Ghomi utilized millions of dollars in illicit profits from this scheme to fund the construction of his lavish $35 million mansion in Newport Beach.
Ghomi, an Iranian-American businessman residing in Newport Coast, California, has been charged with conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions laws. The indictment alleges he supplied export-restricted American networking, security, and encryption equipment to customers in Iran, including entities linked to the country’s military and nuclear enrichment initiatives.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg stated that Ghomi allegedly enriched himself by providing U.S. technology to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and other sanctioned entities involved in Iran’s nuclear program. This action underscores a broader federal effort to dismantle Iranian procurement networks and intelligence operations.
In recent years, federal authorities have intensified their focus on individuals and groups accused of obtaining U.S. technology for military purposes and acting on behalf of the Iranian government. This case is part of that ongoing crackdown.
Ghomi is the founder and CEO of Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh Co. Ltd. (FPR), a Tehran-based technology company. Court documents suggest that over a decade, FPR acquired sophisticated U.S. equipment and channeled it to Iranian government entities. This was allegedly done through intermediaries based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Investigators contend that the alleged sanctions-evasion scheme generated millions of dollars for Ghomi. He is accused of taking steps to obscure the origin of these funds before transferring them into the United States.
The complaint details how Ghomi allegedly laundered proceeds from his Iran-based business through a network of offshore companies and exchange houses. These entities were reportedly located in the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the UAE.
Prosecutors assert that over a 13-year period, more than $15 million connected to Ghomi’s Iran-based business flowed into American financial accounts. These accounts were reportedly used, in part, to finance the construction of his Newport Coast residence.
Authorities claim that many of these transfers were falsely described, with entries like “Buying Goods” and “For Consulting Fees.” Furthermore, Ghomi is alleged to have falsely reported these incoming funds to the IRS as a foreign inheritance. This is in contrast to the minimal income he reported on his federal tax returns.
Court documents reveal that Ghomi’s highest reported annual income was approximately $20,684. Investigators also point out that he claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit, a benefit designed for low- and moderate-income workers, in multiple tax years.
Meanwhile, investigators highlight that Ghomi was constructing and residing in a 14,000-square-foot mansion in Newport Coast, valued at approximately $35 million. Records show he purchased the vacant lot in 2010 for about $4.5 million and invested over $10 million in the construction of the residence.
Federal authorities allege that more than $7 million in foreign-source wire transfers, linked to the sanctions-evasion scheme, were directed into escrow accounts used to finance his mansion’s construction. This highlights a significant financial disparity between his reported income and his opulent lifestyle.
“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,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. He emphasized the critical need to enforce laws prohibiting business with state sponsors of terrorism.
Investigators allege that FPR supplied American-made networking, security, and encryption products to some of Iran’s most sensitive organizations. These included the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, and Iran Computer Industries, among other military-affiliated entities.
According to prosecutors, FPR supplied U.S.-origin networking equipment to the AEOI from 2017 through 2023. The AEOI is the agency responsible for overseeing Iran’s nuclear program, including uranium enrichment and centrifuge operations. This agency was sanctioned by the U.S. State Department in 2020.
Ghomi is also accused of supplying over 250 metric tons of networking and computer equipment to Iran between 2014 and 2018 alone. Prosecutors state he made hundreds of purchases of restricted American technology, knowingly violating U.S. sanctions while actively concealing his operations.
Investigators further allege that Ghomi took deliberate steps to ensure shipments were routed through UAE-based front companies to hide their true destination. He also reportedly instructed associates to remove his name from invoices and shipping documents, further obscuring his involvement.
If convicted of the charges, Ghomi could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
