Los Angeles Woman Arrested on Iranian Arms Trafficking Charge

Shamim Mafi accused of brokering weapons sales to Sudan's military forces

Apr. 20, 2026 at 8:10am

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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 flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing a critical piece of evidence in an investigation into illicit weapons trafficking.A single bomb fuse component, a key piece of evidence in an alleged Iranian arms trafficking scheme, is captured in stark, gritty detail.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 millions of rounds of ammunition, to the Sudanese Armed Forces during the country's ongoing civil war.

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 arms trafficking to the warring factions further exacerbate the conflict and suffering of the Sudanese people.

The details

According to a criminal complaint, Mafi and an unnamed co-conspirator operated a company in Oman called Atlas International Business through which the weapons and ammunition were trafficked. The company received over $7 million in payments in 2025. Mafi also allegedly brokered 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 Los Angeles woman who is an Iranian national and lawful permanent resident of the United States since 2016. She is accused of brokering weapons sales between Iran and Sudan's military forces.

Bill Essayli

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

Sudanese Armed Forces

The military forces of Sudan that are involved in the country's ongoing civil war.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

Iran's elite military and intelligence force, which Mafi allegedly communicated with to purchase bomb fuses for Sudan.

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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 challenges in preventing the illicit flow of weapons to conflict zones, especially during civil wars that create humanitarian crises. It also raises concerns about the role of Iran in supporting armed groups in other countries through weapons trafficking.