US-Iranian citizen from Massachusetts convicted in Iran export scheme, faces up to 60 years, $1 million fine

Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen from Natick, Massachusetts, was convicted by a federal jury for illegally exporting sensitive U.S. electronic components to Iran. Following a 14-day trial, Sadeghi was found guilty of conspiracy and two counts of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations. He faces up to 60 years in jail and a $1 million fine at his sentencing on October 13. Sadeghi collaborated with Mohammed Abedininajafabadi, a fugitive, to route components like accelerometers and gyroscopes through a Swiss front company to San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co. (SDRA), designated a foreign terror organization by the U.S. in 2019. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley stated, "This defendant exploited his access to sophisticated U.S. technology to help funnel sensitive electronic components to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws." Navigation technology from SDRA was reportedly found in an Iranian Shahed drone recovered after the January 2024 attacks on the U.S. military’s Tower 22 base in Jordan.