Washington, D.C.: Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, 63, of Beirut, Lebanon, has been sentenced to 44 months in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to violate multiple U.S. laws. These violations include the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), among other offenses related to the attempted export of goods to Iran without a license.
According to United States Department of Justice, Assi conspired to export millions of dollars worth of U.S.-made heavy machinery to Iran, a country identified as a leading state sponsor of terrorism. John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, emphasized the importance of prosecuting individuals who attempt to sell American products to adversaries, highlighting the threat to U.S. economic and national security.
U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida stated that Assi's actions endangered national security by attempting to bypass export controls to supply heavy machinery to Iran, a designated state sponsor of terrorism for four decades. Heekin reiterated the commitment of his office to pursue those who violate laws and provide material support to America's adversaries.
Assi's scheme involved providing false information to the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S. government database for tracking exports. He misled his employer by claiming that the shipment's final destination was Iraq, while the true recipients were his co-conspirators in Iran. Additionally, Assi facilitated the transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey through the United States to further the illicit transaction.
The investigation was conducted by the Commerce Department Bureau of Industry and Security's Office of Export Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson for the Northern District of Florida, along with Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.