Broomall Man Convicted of Illegal Trading with Iran

PHILADELPHIA—Mohammad Reza Vaghari, 43, of Broomall, Pennsylvania, was convicted today of crimes relating to his participation in illegal business transactions with Iran between 2005 and 2008. Vaghari was convicted of one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), two substantive counts of violating IEEPA, and one count of naturalization fraud stemming from his attempt to procure U.S. citizenship.

Vaghari operated in this country through a Pennsylvania corporation called Saamen Company, purchasing items from other American companies and exporting the items to coconspirators in the United Arab Emirates, who would then deliver the items to customers in Iran. Vaghari also made false statements in connection with his attempt to obtain U.S. citizenship in November 2004.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2011.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Commerce. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nancy B. Winter and Lauren Ouziel.