CANADIAN EXPORTER PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL SHIPMENTS TO IRAN, IRAQ
Abdulamir Mahdi, a Canadian businessman, pleaded guilty in U.S. District
Court in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday for violating U.S. export controls by diverting equipment
to Iran and Iraq.
Mahdi operated two Canadian companies, OTS Refining Equipment Corp. and
Tech-Link Development Corp., to buy U.S. oil-field and industrial equipment for diversion
to Iran and Iraq. U.S. law prohibits the shipment of industrial equipment to Iran and Iraq
because of these countries’ past terrorist connections.
The U.S. Export Administration’s Enforcement Office in Miami has been
investigating Mahdi’s activities for about three years. The agency was initially tipped
off by a manufacturer. U.S. Customs, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and federal
prosecutors were also involved in the case.
Mahdi’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 19. He faces up to five years in
prison and a fine of $250,000.