Authorities have arrested a German man of Iranian descent on suspicion he attempted to export materials “relevant to nuclear technology” to Iran, the federal prosecutor’s office said Wednesday.

The 52-year-old, identified only as Dr. Ahmad R., was arrested Tuesday in Berlin, the office said in a statement.

He is being held on charges of attempting to break German export laws for allegedly trying to provide Iran with the materials between August and December 2007.

Customs agents searched his Berlin home and office as part of the arrest.