Iranian Woman Arrested in LA for $70M Weapons Trafficking Scheme

Shamim Mafi allegedly sold drones, bombs, and ammunition to Sudan on behalf of the Iranian government.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:40pm

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An extreme close-up of a small, metallic weapons component, its intricate details and textures dramatically illuminated by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of this crime.The arrest of an Iranian arms dealer in Los Angeles exposes the dangerous global trade in weapons and military equipment.Los Angeles Today

A 44-year-old Iranian woman named Shamim Mafi was arrested by the FBI at Los Angeles International Airport as she was about to board a flight to Turkey. Mafi is accused of being an arms dealer for the Iranian government, allegedly selling over $70 million worth of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, assault weapons, and ammunition to Sudan.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with the arrest coinciding with the current U.S.-Iran war that began in late February. It also raises concerns about the potential for weapons and military equipment to be trafficked across borders, undermining international sanctions and export control laws.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Mafi frequently traveled to Iran, Turkey, and other countries as part of her alleged arms dealing scheme. She is accused of coordinating with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to broker the sale of Iranian-made drones between Iran's defense ministry and Sudan, as well as selling 55,000 bomb fuses to the Sudanese military.

  • Mafi was arrested on Saturday night at LAX minutes before boarding a flight to Turkey.
  • The arrest comes amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran war that started in late February 2026.

The players

Shamim Mafi

A 44-year-old Iranian woman living in Woodland Hills, California on a green card, who was arrested by the FBI for allegedly being an arms dealer for the Iranian government.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Iran's elite military force that Mafi is accused of coordinating with to broker arms deals.

Sudanese Military

The recipient of the alleged arms deals, including drones and bomb fuses, that Mafi is accused of facilitating.

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What they’re saying

“Mafi was allegedly coordinating with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. According to the federal government, one of the contracts was worth €60 million brokering the sale of Iranian-made drones between Iran's defense ministry and Sudan.”

— Max Gorden, Fox News Correspondent

“In another instance, Mafi is accused of selling 55,000 bomb fuses to the Sudanese military.”

— Max Gorden, Fox News Correspondent

What’s next

Mafi will appear in court on Monday to face charges of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Iran to circumvent international sanctions and export controls, as well as the potential for weapons and military equipment to be trafficked across borders, undermining global security. It also underscores the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran amidst the current war.