Los Angeles Woman Arrested on Iranian Arms Trafficking Charge

Shamim Mafi accused of brokering weapons sales between Iran and Sudan during civil war

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metallic bomb fuse component, its textured surface and sharp edges dramatically illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.Federal authorities allege a Los Angeles woman brokered the sale of bomb fuses and other weapons from Iran to Sudan's armed forces amid the country's ongoing civil war.Los Angeles Today

Federal prosecutors have arrested a 44-year-old Los Angeles woman named Shamim Mafi on suspicion of helping Iran traffic weapons, including drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and ammunition, to Sudan during the country's ongoing civil war. Mafi, an Iranian national and lawful permanent U.S. resident, allegedly operated a company in Oman called Atlas International Business that facilitated over $7 million in weapons payments in 2025.

Why it matters

The Sudanese civil war has created a major humanitarian crisis, with dwindling food supplies and millions displaced from their homes. Allegations of weapons trafficking from Iran to fuel the conflict raise concerns about the role of international actors prolonging the violence and suffering.

The details

According to a criminal complaint, Mafi and an unnamed co-conspirator brokered the sale of 55,000 bomb fuses to the Sudanese Ministry of Defense. Mafi also allegedly submitted a letter of intent to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to purchase the bomb fuses for Sudan. Mafi is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Monday and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

  • 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 Los Angeles woman and Iranian national 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 and provided details about the case.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

Iran's elite military force that Mafi allegedly intended to purchase bomb fuses from for Sudan.

Sudanese Armed Forces

The military of Sudan, which is accused of receiving weapons and ammunition from Mafi and her co-conspirator.

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What they’re saying

“Federal prosecutors said a 44-year-old Los Angeles woman was arrested Saturday night at Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of helping Iran traffic weapons to Sudan, which is in its fourth year of a bloody civil war.”

— Bill Essayli, First U.S. Attorney

What’s next

Mafi is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Monday, where a judge will decide whether to allow her to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the role that international weapons trafficking can play in fueling ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, underscoring the need for robust enforcement of arms control laws and regulations.