A federal jury has found Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, guilty of conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions laws by attempting to export drill rigs to Iran. The charges include violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export without a license, smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen stated, "The defendant schemed to unlawfully export U.S.-origin mining drills to Iran, while deceiving his employer into believing that they were being sent to Iraq." He emphasized that this conviction reflects the Justice Department's commitment to holding accountable those who evade sanctions against Iran.
Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod remarked on the verdict: "As this verdict makes clear, no matter how hard you try to obfuscate your scheme to send restricted U.S. items to Iran, we will work tirelessly to bring your conduct to light and ensure you face justice."
U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody highlighted the threat posed by efforts like Assi's: "Efforts to conceal impermissible transactions and circumvent imposed sanctions represent a threat to both the United States economic and national security interests."
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Assi was a salesman for a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with operations in northern Florida. He conspired with individuals linked with Sakht Abzar Pars Co., based in Tehran, Iran, using an Iraq-based distributor as a front for purchasing two blasthole drills from his employer's U.S. subsidiary.
Assi arranged for these drills' shipment from the United States through Turkey while hiding Iranian involvement by claiming they were destined for Iraq. In reality, he intended them for reexportation from Turkey to Iran.
Further complicating matters, Assi entered false data into the Automated Export System (AES), misleading his employer about the true destination of these shipments.
Additionally, approximately $2.7 million was transferred through Turkey in connection with this illicit transaction.
Sentencing is set for January 7, 2025. The Bureau of Industry and Security is investigating this case further.
Prosecutors include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson along with Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.