Iranian National Arrested for Alleged Arms Trafficking to Sudan

Shamim Mafi accused of brokering weapons sales between Iran and Sudanese Armed Forces

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a metallic bomb fuse component, its intricate details and textures dramatically illuminated against a black void, conveying the serious and investigative nature of this alleged arms trafficking case.As the U.S. cracks down on alleged Iranian arms trafficking, a stark image of a bomb fuse highlights the dangerous goods at the heart of this case.Los Angeles Today

A 44-year-old Iranian national living in Los Angeles, Shamim Mafi, was arrested at LAX on suspicion of helping Iran traffic weapons, including drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition, to Sudan, which is in the midst of a civil war. Mafi is accused of operating a company in Oman called Atlas International Business that facilitated over $7 million in weapons payments in 2025.

Why it matters

The ongoing civil war in Sudan has created a major humanitarian crisis, with dwindling food supplies and millions displaced. Allegations of Iran funneling weapons to the Sudanese Armed Forces raise concerns about the escalation of violence and the potential for the conflict to spread further in the region.

The details

According to a criminal complaint, Mafi and an unnamed co-conspirator operated the Oman-based company Atlas International Business, which received over $7 million in payments in 2025 for weapons and ammunition trafficking. Mafi is also accused of brokering the sale of 55,000 bomb fuses to the Sudanese Ministry of Defense, submitting a letter of intent to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to purchase the fuses.

  • Mafi was arrested on Saturday night at Los Angeles International Airport.
  • The criminal complaint is dated March 12, 2026.

The players

Shamim Mafi

A 44-year-old Iranian national living in Los Angeles who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2016. She is accused of brokering weapons sales between Iran and Sudan.

Bill Essayli

The First U.S. Attorney who announced Mafi's arrest on social media.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

The Iranian military force that Mafi allegedly submitted a letter of intent to in order to purchase bomb fuses for Sudan.

Sudanese Armed Forces

The military forces in Sudan that are alleged to have received weapons and ammunition from Iran through Mafi's company.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Last night, Shamim Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for trafficking arms on behalf of the government of Iran. She is charged with a violation of 50 U.S.C. § 1705 for brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of…”

— Bill Essayli, First U.S. Attorney

What’s next

Mafi is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Monday. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to crack down on alleged arms trafficking and sanctions evasion involving Iran, especially as it relates to conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa that have created major humanitarian crises.