(Los Angeles Times) Sebastian Rotella - Amir Hossein Ardebili, 36, an Iranian arms trafficker, was sentenced in Delaware on Monday to five years in prison after being snared in a global undercover investigation. He pleaded guilty last year to violating U.S. arms control laws by trying to purchase components for Iranian fighter planes and missile guidance systems. Tips from American companies that deal in electronic technology with potential military uses brought Ardebili to the attention of U.S. investigators. His exclusive client, according to court documents, was the Iranian government. "He sent thousands upon thousands of solicitations to U.S. companies, requesting quotes [on] tens of thousands of components, many used in military applications," court documents said.
2009-12-16 08:45:55Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive