Key Facts in the Federal Complaint
US authorities arrested dual US-Iranian national Jamshid Ghomi, accusing him of supplying US technology to entities tied to Iran’s military and nuclear programs
Prosecutors are also seeking to seize his $35M California mansion as Ghomi faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted… pic.twitter.com/Opi8RnJEiU
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) June 3, 2026
The criminal complaint alleges that Ghomi used Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh for more than 10 years to procure U.S.-origin networking equipment for customers in Iran without authorization from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
From 2011 to 2015, prosecutors say Ghomi used eBay and PayPal accounts to make more than 400 purchases, then routed equipment through intermediaries in the United Arab Emirates. The government alleges that Iran was concealed as the final destination in shipping records and invoices.
Federal officials also allege that from 2014 to 2018, Ghomi arranged the movement of more than 250 metric tons of networking equipment into Iran through freight forwarders and intermediaries in Dubai. Prosecutors described the equipment as networking, security and encryption technology.
The complaint further alleges that Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh supplied U.S.-origin equipment to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran from 2017 to 2023 and to Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics from 2014 to 2022. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is identified by U.S. authorities as the government agency responsible for Iran’s nuclear program, including uranium enrichment and centrifuge-related work.
Latest Verified Update
Ghomi made his first appearance in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana on June 3, 2026, did not enter a plea, and has an arraignment scheduled for July 13, ABC News reported. A detention hearing was scheduled for June 4 in the same court.
If convicted, Ghomi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of assets, including a Newport Coast mansion that they allege was funded with proceeds from the sanctions-evasion scheme.
Background: Why the Alleged Shipments Matter
The central issue is U.S. sanctions enforcement. Under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, U.S. persons are generally barred from exporting, reexporting, selling or supplying goods, technology or services to Iran or the Government of Iran without authorization.
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security also warns that many items require a license before export or reexport to Iran, especially technology with potential government, military or restricted end-use applications. Its Iran export guidance outlines how export controls and sanctions can apply together.
The case was first reported internationally by Anadolu Agency, but the strongest verified basis for the allegations remains the Justice Department release and the federal complaint described by prosecutors.
What Happens Next
The case now moves through the federal court process in the Central District of California. Prosecutors must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Ghomi can challenge the complaint, contest detention, enter a plea, and respond to any later indictment if one is filed.
At the current stage, the verified record shows an arrest, a federal sanctions-related charge, an initial court appearance and pending proceedings. No conviction has been entered.
