Iranian-American Woman Charged with Brokering €60M Arms Deal for Iran to Sudan

A US lawful permanent resident faces federal charges for allegedly brokering a €60 million arms deal between Iran and Sudan’s ministry of defense. The case highlights efforts to disrupt international weapons trafficking networks.

Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian-American, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday night. Federal agents detained Mafi on suspicion of orchestrating an illicit weapons contract. Mafi, a lawful permanent resident since 2016, frequently travels between the US, Iran, Turkey, and Oman.

Mafi stands accused of brokering the sale of various military armaments. These included drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition, all reportedly manufactured in Iran. The alleged contract with Sudan’s ministry of defense was valued at over €60 million. Sudan has been engaged in a civil war since 2023, a conflict that has displaced millions and caused significant civilian casualties. This ongoing conflict heightens scrutiny on any alleged arms transfers to the region.

Mafi reportedly earned €6 million for her role in the transaction. This payment was specifically for coordinating the Sudanese delegation’s travel to Iran. Authorities state Mafi and a co-conspirator allegedly facilitated these deals through their company, Atlas International. Illegal weapons dealing reportedly occurred in several locations, including California. The criminal complaint details Mafi's frequent travel and her alleged connections.

Further details indicate Mafi resided in Istanbul, Turkey, from 2013 to 2016. In an interview with federal officials, she stated her first husband was an officer for Iran’s ministry of intelligence and security, the intelligence arm of the Iranian government. Social media images reportedly show Mafi posing with weapons in a Turkish warehouse and enjoying a beach in California.

Mafi faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday at the US District Court in Los Angeles. This case underscores the complex challenges in monitoring international arms transfers and dismantling illicit supply chains. The proceedings will offer further insight into the alleged network and its operations.