The case of Jamshid Ghomi has drawn significant attention due to serious allegations involving sanctions violations, export-controlled technology transfers, and financial fraud. Federal authorities in the US claim that Ghomi ran a long-running network that allegedly supplied sensitive American technology to restricted Iranian entities while concealing financial transactions and income. The investigation, which spans more than a decade, has resulted in criminal charges that could carry severe prison time and asset forfeiture if proven in court.
Who is Jamshid Ghomi?
Jamshid Ghomi is a 63-year-old dual US–Iranian national and technology executive based in Newport Coast, Orange County, California. He is the founder, owner, and CEO of Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh Co. Ltd. (FPR), a Tehran-based computer networking firm reportedly generating over $10 million in annual sales.
Despite allegedly owning a luxury $35 million mansion in Orange County, he is accused of reporting a peak annual income of just $20,684 and claiming low-income tax credits for seven years.
Why Was He Supplying Tech to Iran from the US?
According to federal allegations, Ghomi used FPR to procure US-origin networking, security, and encryption equipment for Iranian customers without obtaining required authorizations from the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
The equipment was allegedly supplied to sensitive Iranian state-linked entities, including:
- Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (2017–2023): Networking systems allegedly linked to uranium enrichment infrastructure
- Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (2014–2022): Security and encryption equipment for defense-related use
- Iran Computer Industries (2017): Military and defense electronics-related procurement
Investigators allege Ghomi referred to Iran as “Motherland” in internal communications and maintained business relationships with sanctioned or restricted entities over more than a decade.
Why Was He Arrested?
Ghomi was arrested on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, after a federal operation conducted by the US Department of Justice and the FBI at his Newport Coast residence.
Authorities allege he operated a long-running smuggling and procurement network (2011–2023) designed to bypass US sanctions on Iran. During the raid, investigators reportedly seized documents and digital evidence linking him to export-controlled technology transfers and financial concealment schemes.
What Are the Federal Charges?
Ghomi faces a federal criminal complaint alleging conspiracy to violate the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), along with related financial and customs offenses.
Key allegations include:
- Sanctions Violation: Exporting controlled US technology to Iran without OFAC authorization
- Money Laundering: Moving over $15 million through US banking channels (2011–2024), allegedly disguised as foreign inheritance
- Tax Fraud: Improperly claiming Earned Income Tax Credit for seven years while reporting minimal income
- Shipping Deception: Using eBay, PayPal, shell companies, and UAE-based freight intermediaries to conceal shipment origins and destinations
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison, along with potential forfeiture of assets, including his alleged multimillion-dollar property in California.
How Did He Hide the Illegal Shipments?
Federal investigators allege Ghomi used a multi-layered concealment strategy to avoid detection:
- Front Companies: Shell entities allegedly registered in jurisdictions including the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the UAE
- Freight Intermediaries: Routing shipments through UAE-based logistics providers to obscure final delivery to Iran
- Document Manipulation: Removing Iran references from invoices and shipping documents
- Online Accounts: Using personal eBay and PayPal accounts (2011–2023) for procurement and payment processing
Which Iranian Entities Benefited from the Tech?
Authorities allege that the exported equipment supported Iran’s strategic and defense-related infrastructure, including:
- Atomic Energy Organization of Iran — Nuclear and enrichment-related infrastructure support systems
- Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics — Military communications and encrypted systems
- Iran Computer Industries — Defense electronics procurement under a 2017 contract arrangement
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg stated that Ghomi “enriched himself by supplying US technology to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and other sanctioned entities responsible for Iran’s nuclear program,” according to the allegations.
What is the Bigger Picture Behind US Sanctions on Iran
The case falls under the US sanctions framework governed by the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR).
These laws restrict trade and technology transfers involving Iran due to concerns including:
- Iran’s nuclear development program
- Alleged sponsorship of terrorism
- Restrictions on export of dual-use technologies without OFAC licensing
Authorities allege that no export licenses were obtained for the transactions under investigation, making the transfers illegal under US law.
