Jamshid Ghomi, California tech CEO Arrested in Iran Sanctions Case
Federal authorities have arrested Jamshid Ghomi, a California tech CEO and dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, on allegations that he orchestrated a long-running scheme to illegally export sensitive American technology to Iran’s military and nuclear sectors.
According to a federal criminal complaint, the 63-year-old Newport Coast resident and chief executive officer of Tehran-based Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh Co. Ltd. (FPR) is accused of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by facilitating unauthorized shipments of controlled U.S. networking and encryption equipment to Iran between 2011 and 2023.
Federal Investigators Allege Decade-Long Export Violations
Prosecutors claim Ghomi used personal eBay and PayPal accounts, along with a network of front companies and freight forwarding services operating through the United Arab Emirates, to obtain and ship restricted U.S. technology to Iran. Authorities allege the exports occurred without obtaining the necessary licenses from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Officials stated that FPR generated more than $10 million in annual sales and served several Iranian government-linked organizations.
Technology Supplied to Iranian Nuclear and Defense Agencies
Court documents allege that from 2017 through 2023, FPR supplied networking equipment to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), the agency responsible for overseeing the country’s nuclear and uranium enrichment activities.
Investigators further allege that between 2014 and 2022, the company provided security and encryption technology to Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.
Alleged Money Laundering Scheme Involved Millions
Federal authorities also accuse Ghomi of laundering more than $15 million in proceeds generated from Iranian business operations into the United States. Prosecutors allege the funds were routed through shell companies located in the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the complaint, the transfers were allegedly disguised as foreign inheritances and consulting payments on tax filings.
Newport Coast Mansion Under Federal Scrutiny
Investigators claim that despite constructing a custom Newport Coast residence valued at approximately $35 million, Ghomi reported little to no income to the Internal Revenue Service over several years. Authorities allege his highest reported annual income was just $20,684 and that he claimed the federal Earned Income Tax Credit during seven separate tax years.
Federal prosecutors are seeking asset forfeiture, including the luxury Orange County property.
Authorities Emphasize National Security Concerns
The investigation is being led by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, while the Department of Justice’s Major Frauds Section is handling the prosecution.
Federal officials contend that the alleged conduct undermined U.S. sanctions and export control laws designed to protect national security and restrict access to sensitive American technology.
Potential Penalties if Convicted
Jamshid Ghomi is scheduled to appear in federal court in Santa Ana for his initial hearing. If convicted, the California tech CEO could face up to 20 years in federal prison. He may also be subject to the forfeiture of assets, including his multimillion-dollar Newport Coast estate.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not yet been proven in court.