New York: Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, has been arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on allegations that she helped broker weapons deals on behalf of the Iranian government.
According to US federal prosecutors, Mafi is accused of arranging the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses and millions of rounds of ammunition from Iran to Sudan’s armed forces, which remain locked in a brutal civil war. Authorities say she was taken into custody while attempting to leave the country.
The prosecutors cited a contract worth over $70 million for Mohajer-6 armed drones, which are Iranian military-grade unmanned aircraft sourced from the Islamic nation’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics, reported NDTV World. The same network allegedly moved 55,000 bomb fuses to Sudan’s Ministry of Defence. The report claims the bomb fuses were used in a civil war since 2023.
Investigators allege that Mafi and an unnamed associate operated an Oman-based company called Atlas International Business, which was allegedly used as a front to move weapons and ammunition. Prosecutors claim the company received more than $7 million in payments in 2025.
Court filings cited by multiple US media outlets say Mafi left Iran in 2013 and obtained US permanent residency in 2016. She reportedly lived in Istanbul before settling in Los Angeles’ Woodland Hills neighbourhood.
US officials further allege that Mafi had contact with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security between 2022 and 2025. She has denied acting on behalf of Tehran, according to reports.
Mafi is expected to appear before a federal court in Los Angeles. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.
