The Justice Department has unsealed an indictment charging U.S.-Iranian national Jeffrey Chance Nader, 68, with crimes related to the illicit export of U.S.-manufactured aircraft components to Iran. Nader was arrested in California.
“This action demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to keeping military-grade equipment out of the hands of the Iranian regime,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will aggressively investigate, disrupt, and hold accountable criminal networks that supply sensitive technology to hostile and repressive governments in contravention of U.S. sanctions.”
“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," said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “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.”
“Iran has no business using U.S.-manufactured parts and components to keep their planes and drones in the sky,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security. “Stopping these items before they get to our adversaries – like we did here – reflects the real-world impact we’re having through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force.”
“This indictment highlights the FBI’s commitment to enforcing export laws by holding those accountable who allegedly try to smuggle U.S.-origin military equipment to the benefit of Iran,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Any circumvention of U.S. export control law is unacceptable, and the FBI works diligently with its partners across the globe to seek out and bring to justice those who violate export laws along with any shell companies that support such activities.”
According to the indictment, beginning at least in 2023, Nader and other associates conspired to purchase nearly three dozen individual aircraft components for illegal export from the United States to Iran. Some components were intended for use on military aircraft operated by Iran’s armed forces, including F-4 fighter jets.
Nader coordinated purchases with business associates in Iran based on orders from Iranian customers. He falsely identified himself and his company, California-based Pro Aero Capital, as end users when dealing with U.S.-based suppliers.
Once obtained, Nader attempted multiple times to export these components first to UAE for transshipment ultimately into Iran; however, none successfully left due to intervention by a Special Agent from Commerce.
The FBI Washington Field Office along with Commerce's Bureau are investigating this case assisted by FBI Los Angeles Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven B. Wasserman for D.C., Trial Attorney Sean Heiden from Counterintelligence/Export Control Section lead prosecution supported by Central District CA's office.
This case aligns under Disruptive Technology Strike Force aiming interagency cooperation targeting illicit actors preventing critical tech acquisition by authoritarian regimes under DOJ-Commerce leadership leveraging governmental enforcement tools/laws.
An indictment remains an allegation; defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt court-wise.
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