NEW YORK – The head of a metallurgical company has been arrested in New York on charges he illegally exported to Iran a specialized powder used in missiles.
Erdal Kuyumcu was due to appear in Brooklyn federal court Tuesday. It's unclear if he has an attorney to comment on the charges against him.
Prosecutors say he and others at Global Metallurgy LLC conspired to obtain more than a thousand pounds of the powder without federal approval. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
A call to the company has rung unanswered.
The arrest follows the recent nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran. As part of that deal, the U.S. agreed to drop charges against 14 Iranian nationals, some of whom were accused trying to send arms there.
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