ICE removes Iranian national convicted of exporting sensitive technologies
PHILADELPHIA – An Iranian man, convicted in 2013 of exporting helicopter components from the United States to Iran in violation of laws aimed at protecting national security, was turned over to authorities in Tehran Tuesday by officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Amir Abbas Tamimi, 44, was repatriated on board a commercial flight escorted by Philadelphia-based ERO officers. After arriving at Imam Khomeini International Airport, ERO officers transferred Tamimi to the custody of Iranian law enforcement.
In November, 2013, Amir Abbas Tamimi, an Iranian citizen, pleaded guilty to violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by working to export sensitive helicopter components. The components were for a particular type of helicopter that can be used for military purposes.
“The removal of individuals engaged in violating laws critical to protecting the national security of the United States is ICE’s highest enforcement priority,” said Tom Decker, field office director for ERO Philadelphia. “ICE will continue to move aggressively against those who put at risk our national security.”
The charge against Tammi was the result of an investigation by the FBI, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of Commerce.
In July 2014, Philadelphia ERO officers encountered Tamimi at the federal Moshannon Valley Correctional Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, and issued an expedited removal order against him. On Feb. 5, ERO officers took Tamimi into custody following his release from prison and began making final arrangements for his removal.
Updated: