Iranian Businesswoman Arrested in Los Angeles Over Alleged Arms Deals

A 44-year-old Iranian-born entrepreneur with US permanent residency was taken into custody at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday night as she prepared to board a flight to Istanbul, US authorities have revealed.

Shamim Mafi, a resident of Woodland Hills in California, stands accused of brokering the sale of Iranian-manufactured weapons—including armed drones, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition—to Sudan, in violation of American sanctions laws. Prosecutors allege that her activities formed part of a larger network helping Tehran circumvent international restrictions on arms transfers.

According to court documents , Mafi facilitated deals through an Oman-registered company while based in the United States. One transaction under scrutiny reportedly involved a contract exceeding $70 million for Mohajer-6 armed drones along with tens of thousands of bomb fuses destined for Sudan, where Iranian-made drones have been linked to government forces amid the country’s ongoing civil war.

First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli stated that Mafi faces charges under 50 USC 1705 for arranging the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and large quantities of ammunition produced in Iran and sold to Sudan. If convicted, she could receive up to 20 years in prison. Her initial appearance is set for a federal court in Los Angeles.

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Investigators claim Mafi maintained direct contacts with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security from 2022 to 2025, receiving directives and financial support to establish operations in the US. Authorities allege that Iranian officials had seized properties she inherited and instructed her to set up a business in America as a means to recover those assets, using her as an intermediary for arms-related activities disguised as legitimate commerce.

Mafi reportedly told investigators that she had not been directed by Iranian authorities to conduct such operations inside the United States. She is known online for posting images of luxury travel.

The case highlights heightened US efforts to disrupt alleged Iranian arms smuggling networks at a time of regional tensions. Prosecutors have released images of cash seized in connection with the investigation.