Allegations by the U.S. Government
The
Rewards for Justice program, managed by the U.S. Department of State, is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information that could lead to the disruption of financial networks supporting the
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the U.S. government designates as a terrorist organization. According to U.S. officials, Iranian businessman Hossein Hatefi Ardakani is alleged to have played a significant role in procuring and transferring technology used in the IRGC’s weapons development activities. Since 2014, Ardakani is accused of utilizing a complex network of intermediary companies to acquire sensitive components for Iran's military programs. U.S. government sources assert that these materials have been used in producing Shahed-136 and Shahed-131
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are developed on behalf of the IRGC. It is further alleged that some of these UAVs have been sold internationally, including to the
Russian Armed Forces for use in the war in
Ukraine, with proceeds benefiting the IRGC. Recovered wreckage of Shahed drones in Ukraine and other conflict areas reportedly contains U.S.-origin flight guidance components, which U.S. officials claim were acquired through Ardakani's network. Additionally, the U.S. government alleges that Ardakani has obtained export-controlled high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and other electronic components with ballistic missile applications, circumventing sanctions and export controls targeting Iran. Several Malaysia-based companies, such as Arta Wave Sdn Bhd, Integrated Scientific Microwave Technologies, and Tecknologi Merak Sdn Bhd, have been identified by U.S. authorities as front companies operating on Ardakani’s behalf. These firms, registered in
Kuala Lumpur with links to
Hong Kong, have reportedly, according to the US government, acquired restricted materials for Iran’s defense sector. Similarly, logistics firms in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai-based Smart Mail Services and Ring Field FZE, are accused of facilitating the shipment of sensitive components to the IRGC by providing false shipping information. On December 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against the businessman, accusing him of illegally procuring dual-use microelectronics for the IRGC. On the same day, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Ardakani and ten associated entities under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets individuals and entities involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As a result, U.S. persons and entities are prohibited from conducting transactions with Ardakani. == References ==