An Arcadia man is facing federal charges for allegedly purchasing military aircraft components in the U.S. and trying to send them to Iran.
Jeffrey Chance Nader, 68, was arrested Tuesday for “the illicit export of U.S.-manufactured aircraft components, including components used on military aircraft, to Iran in violation of U.S. economic sanctions and other federal laws,” the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release.
The indictment was first reported by Seamus Hughes’ Court Watch.
Federal officials identified Nader as a California resident, but the Pasadena Star-News listed his city of residence as Arcadia and added that he has since been freed on bond.
The Star-News added that Nader faces a dozen counts:
- One count of conspiracy to defraud the United States
- Four counts of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act
- Three counts of smuggling
- Three counts of false or missing export information
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Beginning last year, Nader and associates purchased nearly three dozen aircraft components and attempted to export them to Iran via the United Arab Emirates, prosecutors said.
“Some of these components are for use on military aircraft operated by Iran’s armed forces, including the F-4 fighter jet,” the DOJ added.
Nader, whom prosecutors describe as a “U.S.-Iranian national,” was operating based on purchase orders received from customers in Iran, though multiple times, he “falsely identified himself and his company, California-based Pro Aero Capital, to the U.S.-based suppliers as the end user of the items.”
Those Iranian customers never received the components, however, as a special agent with the U.S. Department of Commerce detained them and kept them in American custody.
“Attacks by Iran and its proxies on U.S. allies in the Middle East and its ongoing supply of Russia with drones and other technology to be used in its illegal war against Ukraine demonstrate why we must do all that we can to stop Iran from acquiring U.S. parts, services, and technology,” U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said in the release. “The charges announced today represent the latest step in our ongoing effort to hold accountable those who illegally funnel goods and services to Iran and to deter others from doing the same.”