A Texas man with dual U.S. and Iranian citizenship smuggled aerial drone technology to Iran, including by concealing aircraft parts in his checked luggage during multiple trips he made there every year, federal prosecutors said.
Gholam Reza Goodarzi, also known as Ron Goodarzi, made his first appearance in court Tuesday following his Aug. 30 arrest at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
The Justice Department said Mr. Goodarzi, 76, often used proxy destinations like Dubai in his plan to smuggle drone components and other technology to Iran while avoiding trade sanctions.
“Smuggling aircraft parts into Iran endangers U.S. national security by potentially enhancing Iran’s military capabilities, enabling them to advance their aerial combat potential, increase regional power, and threaten U.S. allies and interests in the Middle East,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas.
Federal prosecutors said Mr. Goodarzi, who lives in Porter, near Houston, illegally exported aircraft-related parts along with oil and drilling components to Iran from December 2020 through July 2024. He exchanged multiple emails with suppliers and customers while acknowledging that the parts couldn’t be shipped to Iran because of sanctions.
According to court documents, authorities searched Mr. Goodarzi’s luggage several times and found “numerous” aircraft parts and components hidden within his clothing.
“Some of the items had characteristics consistent with parts for the production of (unmanned aerial vehicles) as well as parts with electrical motor and generator applications,” the Justice Department said in a statement. “Goodarzi does not have the required licenses to export such items to sanctions countries, including Iran.”
U.S. officials say Tehran has provided Russia with at least 1,000 attack drones and other unmanned aerial systems for its war with Ukraine. Iranian companies also supply drone technology to Yemen’s Houthi rebels to attack commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Mr. Goodarzi is facing 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted, officials said.
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.