FBI: Broomall Resident Convicted of Illegal Trading with Iran

On Friday, the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) of Philadelphia announced the conviction of Mohammad Reza Vaghari, 43, of Broomall for participating in illegal business transactions with Iran from 2005 to 2008.

According to the FBI, Vaghari was convicted of four crimes: one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), two substantive counts of violating IEEPA, and one count of naturalization fraud stemming from his attempt to procure U.S. citizenship.

Vaghari owned Pennsylvania-based business Sammenn Company to purchase items from other American-owned companies and then exported the items to the United Arab Emirates, where his co-conspirators worked who would then deliver the items to customers in Iran.

In addition to the conspiracy and illegal business transactions, the FBI stated, "Vaghari also made false statements in connection with his attempt to obtain U.S. citizenship in November 2004."

According to the FBI, a sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 3.

In addition to the FBI, Vaghari's case is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Commerce. The prosecutors of the case are Nancy B. Winter and Lauren Ouziel, assistant United States attorneys.