A 44-year-old Iranian citizen, Reza Dindar, was extradited from Panama to the United States last week and is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle on April 20 on a nine-count indictment related to an alleged scheme to violate trade sanctions against Iran, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd said. Dindar was indicted by a grand jury in August 2014 and arrested in Panama in July 2025 at the request of the United States.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to enforce export control laws and address national security threats involving sensitive technology transfers. The indictment alleges that between 2010 and 2014, Dindar managed New Port Sourcing Solutions in Xi’an, China, concealing that it procured items from the U.S. for companies in Iran by falsely claiming goods were destined for China.
“The members of this conspiracy thought they could evade export restrictions by shipping goods through a third country – in this case China,” Floyd said. “But law enforcement uncovered the scheme, and the grand jury returned the indictment leading to the appearance today.” The indictment details that Dindar and his coconspirators used deception between 2011 and 2012 to purchase parts for three military sonar systems from a business located within Washington’s Western District under false pretenses.
BIS Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement David Peters said: “The Bureau of Industry and Security is committed to enforcing the nation’s export control laws. This indictment and extradition are evidence of that commitment.” HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang added: “This successful extradition marks a significant step towards accountability for members of this conspiracy whose actions posed a threat to our national security… actors who attempt to exploit the U.S. trade system… will face consequences despite their efforts to evade justice abroad.”
Dindar faces charges including conspiracy, two counts each of exporting goods illegally, smuggling goods from the United States, money laundering totaling $97,600 sent for purchases, and filing false export records. If convicted on all counts he could face up to twenty years imprisonment.
According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington promotes community safety through programs addressing gun violence and online threats; operates offices in Seattle and Tacoma; is part of the Department of Justice; includes about eighty-five attorneys with seventy support staff; handles federal prosecutions as well as civil litigation; covers areas including Seattle and Tacoma; enforces federal criminal laws with law enforcement agencies while providing legal counsel to government entities; protects civil rights; staffs more than one hundred fifty people overall; and leads federal drug court programs.
Prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg with support from several federal agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS), Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Office of International Affairs at DOJ as well as cooperation from Panamanian authorities.
