A federal jury has found Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted illegal export of goods to Iran, attempted smuggling, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen from the Justice Department’s National Security Division stated, “The defendant plotted to unlawfully export U.S.-origin mining drills to Iran while misleading his employer into believing they were destined for Iraq.” He emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to cracking down on those who try to bypass sanctions against Iran.
Matthew S. Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the Department of Commerce, remarked, “This verdict signals that no matter how much effort is made to obscure unlawful activities involving restricted U.S. items sent to Iran, we will work diligently to expose and prosecute such actions.” He affirmed the government’s determination to address attempts to evade sanctions that support adversaries like Iran.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, Jason R. Coody, highlighted that attempts to hide forbidden transactions represent a significant risk to U.S. economic and national security. He asserted that the verdict reflects a collective effort to hold violators accountable for criminal activities.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Assi worked as a Middle East-based salesman for a multinational machinery manufacturer, operating a subsidiary in northern Florida. He conspired with individuals linked to Sakht Abzar Pars Co. in Tehran to export U.S.-made machinery to Iran without the necessary licenses.
Assi’s scheme included identifying a distributor in Iraq to act as the front purchaser of U.S.-origin blasthole drills, which are essential for mining. He facilitated the sale, attempting to ship the equipment to Iran through Turkey while deceiving his employer about the true destination.
To further his conspiracy, Assi submitted false details into the Automated Export System, misrepresenting the ultimate consignee as the Iraqi distributor, while knowing that his Iranian accomplices were the actual recipients. He also facilitated a transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey through the U.S.
Brian Assi is set to be sentenced on January 7, 2025. The Bureau of Industry and Security continues to investigate the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson, along with Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal from the National Security Division, leading the prosecution.