Iranian National Extradited to US Over Alleged Sanctions Evasion Scheme

21/04/2026

PANAMA, April 21: An Iranian citizen, Reza Dindar, has been extradited to the United States to face multiple federal charges linked to an alleged sanctions-evasion operation involving military-related equipment. Dindar, also known as Renda Dindar, is accused of conspiracy, illegal exports to an embargoed country, smuggling, money laundering, and filing false export records.

According to US prosecutors, Dindar and his associates allegedly used China as a transit point to disguise shipments ultimately destined for Iran, falsely declaring goods as China-bound to bypass export controls. The indictment claims that between 2011 and 2012, the group acquired components for military sonar systems from a US-based company through deceptive means.

Dindar was indicted in 2014, arrested in Panama in July 2025 at Washington’s request, and extradited last week. Authorities say he previously managed a sourcing company in Xi’an, China, which allegedly concealed its role in procuring US goods for Iranian entities. Officials stressed that the charges remain allegations, and Dindar is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court, where he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.