Foreign National Sentenced for Violating US Sanctions by Exporting Heavy Machinery to Iran

A Lebanese national has been sentenced to 44 months in prison for conspiring to export US-made drill rigs to Iran in violation of US sanctions. Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, aged 63 and resident of Beirut, Lebanon, was convicted in October 2024 for a range of offences relating to the evasion of US sanctions and export controls.

The charges included conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), unlawful attempted export of goods to Iran without a licence, attempted smuggling, false export declarations, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The case underscores the serious risks and consequences for individuals and companies seeking to evade sanctions laws. Assi acted as a salesman for a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer, with a US-based subsidiary and production plant in Alachua, Florida. Evidence at trial showed that Assi conspired with individuals linked to Sakht Abzar Pars Co. (SAP-Iran), based in Tehran, to facilitate an illicit export scheme in breach of sanctions against Iran.

To circumvent US sanctions, Assi arranged for an Iraq-based distributor to serve as a front for purchasing two blasthole drills — heavy machinery used for drilling holes for mining explosives — from the US manufacturer. He then arranged for the equipment to be shipped from the United States to Turkey, concealing the fact that Iran was the ultimate intended destination.

Assi deliberately deceived his employer by falsely stating that the shipment was destined for Iraq and caused false records to be entered into the US Automated Export System (AES). He also facilitated financial transactions totalling approximately $2.7 million through the United States to fund the scheme, further concealing the involvement of Iranian entities subject to sanctions.

John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, said:

The defendant conspired to export millions of dollars of US-made heavy machinery to Iran, a leading state sponsor of terrorism. This case demonstrates that the National Security Division will aggressively prosecute those who attempt to evade US sanctions and export controls.

US Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida added:

By circumventing sanctions laws, the defendant threatened US economic and national security. We will continue to pursue those who violate sanctions regimes and enable adversaries of the United States.

The case was investigated by the US Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security’s Office of Export Enforcement, reflecting the continued prioritisation of sanctions enforcement by US authorities.

Sanctions compliance remains a critical obligation for businesses engaged in international trade, especially for sectors involving dual-use goods and technologies. This sentencing highlights the severe penalties associated with sanctions evasion and the robust enforcement actions being taken to protect national security and uphold sanctions regimes globally.

Read the press release here.