Newport Beach CEO accused of illegally selling US tech to Iranian government

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A Newport Beach man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly selling U.S. computer technology to the Iranian government, including the agency responsible for the country's nuclear program.

Jamshid Ghomi, who's the CEO of an Iran-based technology company, was charged with violating U.S. sanctions against Iran by acquiring "sophisticated U.S.-origin networking, security, and encryption equipment for Iranian customers - including the Iranian regime's nuclear and military," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement.

The 63-year-old has been charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Federal authorities raided Ghomi's multi-million dollar mansion.

"He's aiding and abetting our enemies, violating U.S. sanctions policies and laws, and all while enriching himself and living right there in Orange County," First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said.

Essayli said the case against Ghomi started as a tax investigation by the IRS.

"They were tracking some wire transfers that were coming in from overseas to the defendant," Essayli said.

Authorities allege a larger scheme was then uncovered.

Ghomi, a dual citizen and Iranian national, was allegedly supplying computer components and American tech to the government of Iran.

Essayli said it's a clear violation of U.S. sanctions.

"He did a lot to try to cover his tracks," Essayli said. "He would not ship things directly to Iran. He would ship them to other countries first and from there they would make their way to Iran."

Essayli said while the scheme was shut down Wednesday, the extent of the impact of Ghomi's alleged actions remain unclear.

Investigators will now try to uncover who he was supplying equipment to and what it was used for as they work to forfeit his assets.

"We will be taking the mansion," Essayli said. "The mansion will become property of the United States government. You cannot enrich yourself in violation of our laws and live in a mansion. That's not gonna happen."