SUNTV Global Channel | April 19, 2026
A 44-year-old Iranian businesswoman, , has been arrested at over allegations of brokering multimillion-dollar arms deals linked to .
According to U.S. prosecutors, Mafi—who holds a U.S. green card and resides in Woodland Hills—was taken into custody on Saturday and charged with acting as an intermediary in the sale of Iranian military equipment, including drones, bombs, and ammunition.
Authorities allege that she facilitated transactions through an Oman-registered company, Atlas International Business, with deals reportedly extending into 2025. Court documents claim the contracts were worth over $70 million and involved the supply of Iranian-made Mohajer-6 armed drones, along with approximately 55,000 bomb fuses.
The shipments were allegedly destined for , where ongoing conflict has intensified demand for military equipment. Prosecutors also claim Mafi maintained contact with Iran’s intelligence agencies between 2022 and 2025.
Despite the allegations, Mafi reportedly told investigators she was never directed by the Iranian government to carry out such operations within the United States.
Further court filings suggest that Iranian authorities had previously seized property she inherited in 2020 and later encouraged her to establish a business in the U.S., allegedly to regain those assets, with support from intelligence operatives.
U.S. officials say she had no legal authorization to broker such arms deals. , First Assistant U.S. Attorney, confirmed that Mafi has been charged under federal law for trafficking military equipment on behalf of Iran.
If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison.
Mafi is expected to appear before a U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, where she will answer to the charges. Authorities emphasized that she remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case adds to growing international scrutiny over illicit arms networks and alleged efforts to bypass global restrictions on weapons trade.
