Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian national from Natick, Massachusetts, and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, also known as Mohammad Abedini from Tehran, Iran, face charges related to exporting electronic components from the United States to Iran. These actions allegedly violate U.S. export control and sanctions laws. Additionally, Abedini is accused of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. service members during a drone attack on a military base in Jordan.
Sadeghi was arrested in Massachusetts and made his initial court appearance. Abedini was detained in Italy at the request of the United States. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, "Today’s arrests demonstrate that the Justice Department will hold accountable those who enable the Iranian regime to continue to target and kill Americans."
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the gravity of these allegations by stating that "Iran-backed militias murdered three American soldiers" and noted that "if you provide support to the Iranian regime’s campaign of terror and violence targeting Americans – we will find you, arrest you, and hold you accountable."
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen highlighted that this case underscores efforts to prevent unlawful aid to Iran's military drone program and seek justice for U.S. servicemembers affected by such acts.
The charges allege that Abedini is involved with San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co., which manufactures navigation modules for Iran's military drones used by the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps). The IRGC has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization since 2019.
Abedini established a Swiss front company, Illumove SA, to facilitate transactions involving U.S.-origin goods with Sadeghi's assistance. They are charged with conspiracy under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act and other related offenses.
U.S. Attorneys Jared Dolan and Alathea Porter for Massachusetts are among those prosecuting this case with international cooperation sought for Abedini's extradition from Italy.