US sanctions Iran-linked network accused of defrauding American firms

The United States has imposed sanctions on an Iranian-affiliated network accused of impersonating American companies to obtain sensitive technology for Iran’s military sector, the U.S. Department of State said on May 29.

According to the State Department, the sanctions target individuals and entities allegedly working on behalf of Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) to fraudulently procure restricted goods from U.S. companies.

U.S. officials said the network was led by Iran-based Ali Majd Sepehr and defrauded dozens of American technology firms of millions of dollars by posing as legitimate U.S. businesses.

The State Department said Sepehr and his associates sought to acquire advanced equipment, including spectrum analysers and security detection devices, for Iran’s defence sector.

According to the statement, the scheme involved the creation of fake websites designed to mimic real American companies, the use of intermediaries in Dubai to receive shipments, and the subsequent transfer of the technology to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

The sanctions are part of the broader U.S. campaign known as "Economic Fury," which Washington says is aimed at restricting Iran’s ability to support activities it considers destabilising.

Separately, the State Department said its Rewards for Justice programme is offering up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated branches.

By Aghakazim Guliyev