Iranian Businesswoman Arrested in LA for Alleged Arms Trafficking

Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian businesswoman, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly facilitating multimillion-dollar arms deals for Iran, including drones and ammunition intended for Sudan. Facing federal charges that could lead to a 20-year prison sentence, Mafi's connections to Iranian intelligence and her luxurious lifestyle in California have drawn significant attention. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding Iran's violations of international arms embargoes amid the devastating civil war in Sudan. Mafi's court appearance is scheduled for Monday, as the implications of her alleged actions unfold.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 23:58 IST

Arrest at Los Angeles Airport

An Iranian businesswoman, Shamim Mafi, 44, was apprehended at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday night. She is accused of facilitating multimillion-dollar arms transactions for Tehran, which included Iranian drones, explosives, and vast quantities of ammunition intended for Sudan. Mafi, who holds a US green card and resides in Woodland Hills, California, was arrested just before boarding a flight to Istanbul. She now faces serious federal charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

Details of the Allegations

According to the US Attorney's office for the Central District of California, Mafi allegedly utilized a company registered in Oman, named Atlas International Business, to negotiate arms deals for Iran, with some transactions reportedly occurring as recently as 2025. Prosecutors highlighted a significant contract exceeding $70 million for Iranian Mohajer-6 armed drones sourced from Iran's Ministry of Defense. These drones, along with 55,000 bomb fuses, were reportedly sent to Sudan's Ministry of Defense, which has been embroiled in a civil war since 2023.

First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli stated, "She is charged with a violation of 50 U.S.C. § 1705 for facilitating the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition manufactured by Iran and sold to Sudan." Mafi is also accused of intentionally routing transactions through Turkey and the UAE to evade US authorities.

Connections to Iranian Intelligence

Investigators found that Mafi had direct communications with Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security from December 2022 to June 2025. Court documents allege that the ministry instructed her to establish a business in the US and provided financial support for this venture. Notably, Tehran had seized properties Mafi inherited from her father in 2020, and the ministry purportedly conditioned the return of these properties on her opening a US-based business.

While Mafi claimed she was never directed by Iranian intelligence to engage in activities on Tehran's behalf within the US, she reportedly expressed that she believed her role would be more beneficial to the MOIS if she were in Iran rather than the US. Prosecutors emphasized that Mafi lacked the legal authority to manage arms transactions of this nature.

Background on Shamim Mafi

Mafi emigrated from Iran in 2013 and became a permanent resident of the US in 2016. Her social media profiles depicted her as a well-traveled individual enjoying a luxurious lifestyle in California, showcasing extravagant trips and a photo with a $100,000 Mercedes-Benz roadster.

Impact of the Arms Deals

Iran has faced ongoing allegations of breaching a United Nations arms embargo related to the Sudanese civil war, with evidence of its drones being utilized by Sudanese government forces. The conflict, now in its fourth year, has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands, with estimates ranging from 61,000 to several hundred thousand. The UN's fact-finding mission has indicated that recent mass killings in Darfur exhibit characteristics of genocide, displacing nearly nine million people and marking it as one of the most severe crises globally.

Next Steps in the Case

If convicted of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Mafi could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. She is set to appear in US District Court in downtown Los Angeles on Monday.