Iranian-Born US Woman Arrested in Los Angeles Over Alleged $70M Arms Deals

19/04/2026

Iranian-Born US Woman Arrested in Los Angeles Over Alleged $70M Arms Deals

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LOS ANGELES, Apr 19: Iranian-born U.S. permanent resident Shamim Mafi has been arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on charges of allegedly brokering arms deals on behalf of Tehran, according to a report by the New York Post, citing the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.

Prosecutors allege that Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, used an Oman-registered company to facilitate weapons transactions as recently as 2025, including drones, bombs, and ammunition allegedly intended for Sudan.

Among the deals under investigation is a reported contract exceeding $70 million for an Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drone sourced from Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.

Authorities also claim phone records indicate communications between Mafi and Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security between December 2022 and June 2025.

Mafi has reportedly told investigators that she was never instructed by Iranian authorities to carry out any activities within the United States.

The investigation is ongoing, and no final judgment has been issued.