HOUSTON – Four companies and five individuals have been accused of illegally exporting to Iran high-tech electronics that could be used for military weapons.
The 24-count federal indictment was unsealed Friday in Houston. The counts include conspiring to commit money laundering, money laundering and failure to file foreign bank and financial accountings.
Prosecutors say the companies and defendants are charged with violating U.S. law by sending certain microelectronics, power supplies and other items to Iran. The exports violate U.S. sanctions as part of anti-terrorism efforts.
The indictment names Houston-based Smart Power Systems Inc., plus companies operating in Taiwan, Turkey and Iran.
Some defendants are from Houston and Los Angeles, with arrests carried out in Texas and California.
A message seeking comment from Smart Power Systems wasn't immediately returned Friday.
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