Dan Hoffman, a former CIA station chief, weighed in on the case involving technology CEO Jamshid Ghomi. Accusations claim Ghomi engaged in a long-term scheme supplying U.S. computer networking equipment to Iran. Hoffman praised the FBI’s counter-intelligence success in exposing this tech plot.
The case involves serious concerns about U.S. national security and Iran’s nuclear program’s enhancement with American technology. Federal prosecutors revealed that Ghomi used millions from the illicit activities to finance his mansion in Newport Beach. Jamshid Ghomi, 63, resides in Newport Coast, California and faces charges for conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions by exporting restricted American networking, security, and encryption technology to Iran, including military-linked entities.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John A. Eisenberg, stated, “As alleged, Ghomi enriched himself by supplying U.S. technology to Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization and other sanctioned groups involved in Iran’s nuclear efforts.” This arrest is part of wider federal operations targeting Iranian procurement networks and intelligence activities aiming to procure U.S. technology for military uses.
“Ghomi’s activities facilitated Iran’s efforts to acquire sensitive American technology under U.S. sanctions.” – FBI Source
Prosecutors stated that Ghomi developed a $35 million mansion, partially funded by the sale of American technology to the Iranian government. His company, Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh Co. Ltd. (FPR), allegedly acquired complex U.S. equipment, sending it to Iranian governmental bodies through UAE intermediaries.
An investigation suggests Ghomi’s scheme lasted over a decade, generating millions. According to the complaint, Ghomi laundered proceeds through offshore companies in the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the UAE. Over 13 years, more than $15 million from Ghomi’s Iran-based business reportedly transferred into U.S. accounts, financing his Newport Coast mansion’s construction.
The funds’ movement often included false labels like “Buying Goods” and “For Consulting Fees.” In addition to the charges, Ghomi is accused of reporting these funds as a foreign inheritance and underreporting his income on federal tax submissions. His highest reported annual income was approximately $20,684, while simultaneously claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit intended for low to moderate-income workers.
Investigators say Ghomi’s Newport Coast mansion measures 14,000 square feet, valued at around $35 million. Federal records indicate that between 2014 and 2018, Ghomi supplied over 250 metric tons of networking and computer equipment to Iran. The charges include circumventing U.S. sanctions, purchasing restricted technology, and working to conceal the operation.
If convicted, Ghomi might face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. The investigation underscores the risks of violating U.S. sanctions directed at preventing technology transfers to regimes considered hostile to U.S. interests.