Former CIA station chief Dan Hoffman has offered insights into a case involving tech CEO Jamshid Ghomi, accused of a long-term scheme to sell U.S. computer networking parts to Iran. Hoffman highlighted the FBI’s counter-intelligence efforts in uncovering this scheme, emphasizing potential threats to U.S. national security and Iran’s ability to enhance its nuclear capabilities using American technology.
The case involves a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, Ghomi, who allegedly used millions from the illicit sales to fund the construction of his Newport Beach mansion, according to federal prosecutors. Ghomi, 63, residing in Newport Coast, California, faces charges of conspiracy to breach U.S. sanctions by supplying restricted American technology to Iranian clients, including entities linked to the military and nuclear programs.
“As alleged, Ghomi enriched himself by supplying U.S. technology to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and other sanctioned entities responsible for Iran’s nuclear program,” stated Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.
The arrest is part of wider federal action against Iranian procurement networks. Numerous Iranian nationals have been charged over recent years for acquiring U.S. technology for military use and acting on behalf of Iran.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Ghomi’s $35 million mansion was partly financed through proceeds from illegal sales to Iran. Documents show Ghomi, founder and CEO of Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh Co. Ltd. (FPR), spent over a decade securing sophisticated U.S. equipment and transferring it to Iranian government entities via intermediaries in the UAE.
Investigators indicated that the alleged evasion of sanctions accrued millions for Ghomi, who then masked the origin of this money before moving funds to the U.S. The complaint against him describes laundering activities involving offshore companies in places like the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the UAE.
Prosecutors contend that over 13 years, more than $15 million from Ghomi’s Iran-based enterprise entered U.S. financial accounts, some of which funded his home’s construction in Newport Coast. Authorities assert that numerous transactions carried false labels such as “Buying Goods” and “For Consulting Fees,” while Ghomi misreported funds as a foreign inheritance to the IRS.
Documents show Ghomi’s highest reported annual income stood at approximately $20,684, and he claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit meant for low-income workers, multiple times. Yet, investigators noted Ghomi was developing a 14,000-square-foot mansion costing around $35 million.
Federal authorities assert more than $7 million in wire transfers linked to the sanctions-evasion scheme fed into escrow accounts for covering mansion construction expenses.
“Ghomi is accused of aiding our declared enemies by selling U.S.-origin computer networking parts to Iran and earning millions in violation of U.S. sanction laws,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
Investigators alleged FPR delivered American-made equipment to sensitive Iranian organizations such as the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, Iran Computer Industries, among others.
Prosecutors noted that FPR supplied equipment to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) from 2017 to 2023. The AEOI supervises Iran’s nuclear activities and received sanctions by the U.S. State Department in 2020.
Ghomi allegedly provided over 250 metric tons of equipment to Iran between 2014 and 2018. He executed numerous purchases of restricted technology and intentionally breached U.S. sanctions, concealing the operation.
Investigators highlighted that Ghomi ensured shipments passed through UAE-tied front companies and advised associates to exclude his name from invoices and shipping paperwork.
If found guilty, Ghomi potentially faces up to 20 years in prison.