AP, Washington, 16 Feb 2012 — Two businessmen have pleaded guilty in the illegal export of computer equipment to Iran.
In federal court, Massoud Habibion admitted conspiring with a company in Tehran to export computers through Dubai to Iran without obtaining licenses from the U.S. government. Habibion also admitted selling $4.9 million in computer-related shipments to a company in Dubai, knowing that most of the exports were destined for Iran.
Habibion co-owned Online Micro LLC in Costa Mesa, Calif., along with Mohsen Motamedian, who pleaded guilty to obstruction. The businessmen, both U.S. citizens, told a government witness to lie about whether Iran was the true destination for the goods. The government described shipments between May 2007 and December 2010.
Motamedian faces up to 20 years in prison; Habibion, up to five years.
