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Note: Iranian Arms dealer, Amir Hossein Ardebili, attempted to purchase gyro chips, phase shifters, and air data computers from a company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a transaction that had been set up as trap by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. After several communications, Ardebili tried twice to get the agents to accept an LC. An agent subsequently replied: "A letter of credit from an Iran bank is garbage anyway. If your bank refuses to pay, what do we do? Ask the UN to help us? We are violating the law by selling you these devices. What court is going to help us?" Ardebili eventually sent US$3,000 cash as a down payment to a Delaware bank.

Agents set up a meeting with Ardebili in central Asia from where he was extradited to the United States to face trial in January 2008. Ardebili was sentenced to 60 months incarceration after pleading guilty to multiple violations of the Arms Export Control Act, International Emergency Economic Powers Act, smuggling, conspiracy, and money laundering.

The US Department of Justice released a press statement about the case on 14 Dec 2009. It stated that: "The export of this technology to Iran is controlled so that it cannot be used to harm America or its allies. Enforcing export laws are one of ICE's top priorities and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those who send prohibited items to Iran are brought to justice," according to John P. Kelleghan, special agent in charge of ICE in Philadelphia.

[JEB/jpf]

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