A dual U.S.-Iranian citizen from Natick, Massachusetts, was arrested on Monday in connection with a fatal drone strike earlier this year. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the charges against the man and his alleged co-conspirator, highlighting their roles in exporting sensitive technology to Iran and supporting terrorist activities.
Arrests and Charges
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 42, of Natick, and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi (also known as Abedini), 38, of Tehran, Iran, have been charged with conspiring to export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran in violation of U.S. export control and sanctions laws. Abedininajafabadi faces additional charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
The arrests stem from their alleged involvement in supplying technology used in a drone attack that killed three U.S. service members and injured over 40 others on January 28 in Jordan. U.S. authorities attribute the attack to Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia group based in Iraq.
Investigation and Arrest Details
The FBI and Natick Police Department conducted a search of Sadeghi’s residence on Woodland Street on Monday afternoon.
Sadeghi appeared in federal court in South Boston on Monday, while Abedininajafabadi was arrested in Milan, Italy, by Italian authorities at the request of the U.S. government.
The investigation linked parts from the drone used in the January attack to components allegedly exported by Sadeghi. Authorities allege that Sadeghi worked for a Norwood-based semiconductor company and sent sensitive technology overseas to entities designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.
Technology and Terrorist Connections
According to the DOJ, Sadeghi and Abedininajafabadi collaborated to help Iran and its allied militias conduct the drone strike. U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy emphasized the gravity of the case during a press conference in Boston.
“We often cite hypothetical risks when discussing the dangers of American technologies falling into the wrong hands. Unfortunately, in this situation, we are not speculating,” Levy said. “These charges underscore the DOJ’s commitment to seeking justice for service members who were killed and harmed overseas.”
Law enforcement officials removed items from Sadeghi’s home late Monday and secured them as evidence. While authorities have not disclosed the contents of the seized items, they indicated that additional charges might follow.
A Broader Campaign
The arrests are part of a broader effort to prevent U.S. technologies from being used to support terrorist activities. This case highlights the risks of export violations and the need for vigilance in safeguarding sensitive technologies.
The DOJ and FBI reaffirmed their dedication to holding those accountable who jeopardize national security and endanger American lives. As the investigation continues, further revelations and legal actions are anticipated.