A 44-year-old Iranian businesswoman holding a US green card has been arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly brokering illegal arms deals linked to Tehran. The arrest was confirmed by Bill Essayli, First Assistant US Attorney.
Alleged arms deals linked to Iran
According to prosecutors, the accused, identified as Shamim Mafi, is charged with arranging the sale of Iranian-made drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition to Sudan. Officials claim she played a key role in facilitating deals involving weapons manufactured in Iran and transferred to Sudan, which has been facing a civil war since 2023.
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Authorities allege that Mafi maintained close contact with Iran’s intelligence network and received instructions and financial backing to run an operational front from within the United States. Court records suggest she used an Oman-based company, Atlas International Business, to route these transactions as recently as 2025.
One of the most significant deals under investigation is reportedly worth over $70 million. It allegedly involved the supply of Mohajer-6 drone, along with around 55,000 bomb fuses. These were said to be transferred through agreements tied to Sudan’s defense authorities.
Legal action and ongoing investigation
Essayli stated that Mafi has been charged under US federal law for violating sanctions and brokering prohibited arms sales. She is expected to appear in a federal court in Los Angeles, where legal proceedings will begin. Authorities emphasised that she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Mafi, who left Iran in 2013 and became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2016, reportedly lived in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. Reports also noted that she maintained an active social media presence.
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