The FBI arrested Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Los Angeles resident and Iranian national, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Saturday night. Federal prosecutors allege she played a key role in trafficking weapons from Iran to Sudan, a country embroiled in a devastating civil war.

Details of the Alleged Scheme

According to a criminal complaint filed March 12, Mafi operated Atlas International Business, a company based in Oman that allegedly facilitated the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition. The company reportedly received over $7 million in payments. Mafi and an unnamed co-conspirator were also accused of brokering the sale of 55,000 bomb fuses to Sudan's Ministry of Defense. The complaint claims Mafi submitted a letter of intent to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to secure the transaction.

"This arrest underscores the ongoing threat posed by foreign actors exploiting U.S. residency to advance hostile agendas," said First U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

Mafi, who became a lawful permanent U.S. resident in 2016, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Her arrest highlights the challenges of monitoring foreign nationals who exploit U.S. residency to engage in illicit activities. The case also underscores Iran’s continued efforts to destabilize regions like Sudan. The Sudanese civil war has created a humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and depleting food supplies.

Mafi is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Monday. The FBI has not released further details about the unnamed co-conspirator or the broader investigation.