Iranian Network Exploited U.S. Green Card Holder to Move $70.6M in Mohajer-6 Drones and Weapons to Sudan

Source: FBI

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Shamim Mafi, 44, an Iranian national holding U.S. lawful permanent resident status since 2016, was arrested by the FBI at Los Angeles International Airport on April 19, 2026, moments before boarding a flight to Turkey. She is charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for allegedly brokering a contract worth more than $70.6 million for the sale of Iranian-manufactured Mohajer-6 armed drones to Sudan's Ministry of Defense, along with bombs, bomb fuses, assault weapons, and millions of rounds of ammunition. The FBI alleges she operated with direct knowledge of and contact with Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) between 2022 and 2025.

ANALYSIS

The Mafi case is the most operationally significant Iran-linked domestic law enforcement action since the Soleimani family immigration enforcement in April 2026. Unlike those cases, which were administrative, Mafi is alleged to have run an active criminal enterprise on Iranian state direction from inside the United States. Her use of a U.S. green card as a residency and operational cover while maintaining documented contact with Iran MOIS represents a classic intelligence tradecraft model: a legally resident proxy provides geographic access and credibility that diplomatic or IRGC-linked actors cannot.

The logistics chain Mafi allegedly used is notable. An Oman-registered front company, Atlas International Business LLC, provided legal distance from Iran. Payments were routed through Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, two jurisdictions with established Iranian financial networks that have appeared repeatedly in IRGC sanctions evasion architecture. The choice of Sudan as the end user is strategically significant. Sudan's military has been engaged in civil war since April 2023. Iranian Mohajer-6 drones, capable of carrying laser-guided bombs and anti-tank missiles, would materially shift the Sudanese Armed Forces' tactical advantage against the Rapid Support Forces.

The Iran war context matters. If the allegations are proven, Mafi was operating this network at the height of active combat between U.S. and Iranian forces, including during the period when U.S. aircraft were being targeted by IRGC systems. The simultaneous use of MOIS-linked procurement networks to arm Sudan while IRGC forces targeted U.S. aircraft in the Gulf reflects the full-spectrum nature of Iranian coercive strategy.

Mafi faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. No co-conspirators have been publicly identified. The Oman-based Atlas International Business LLC and any associated UAE or Turkish financial entities may be subjects of forthcoming OFAC designation action.

SOURCES

• Mediaite: Iranian Woman Arrested by FBI in LA for Trafficking Bombs and Drones in $70 Million Scheme

• Fox News: Feds arrest Iranian woman at LAX for allegedly brokering weapons sales for Islamic regime

• NBC Los Angeles: Woodland Hills woman arrested at LAX for alleged arms sales to Iran

• LA Mag: Woodland Hills Woman Arrested at LAX in Iran Arms Case

• Telegram: @TPOnow (Shamim Mafi arrest reporting)

• OSINT Navigator: News category, Bellum Acta Telegram (April 19, 2026)