Woodland Hills Woman Arrested at LAX for Alleged Iran Arms Trafficking

Shamim Mafi charged with brokering sale of Iranian-made drones, bombs, and ammunition to Sudan

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metallic drone component or bomb fuse, its intricate details and textures dramatically illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into alleged arms trafficking activities.Federal authorities crack down on alleged arms trafficking pipeline between Iran and Sudan.Los Angeles Today

Federal authorities arrested Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian national and U.S. lawful permanent resident from Woodland Hills, at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday night. Prosecutors allege Mafi brokered the sale of Iranian-made drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and ammunition to Sudan, and frequently traveled between multiple countries. If convicted, Mafi faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Why it matters

As tensions continue between the U.S. and Iran, this arrest highlights federal efforts to crack down on alleged arms trafficking activities that could aid Iran's regional influence and military capabilities. The case also raises concerns about potential national security threats posed by individuals with access to restricted military technology.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Shamim Mafi is charged with brokering the sale of Iranian-made drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition to Sudan. Mafi, who maintains a residence in Woodland Hills, California, is accused of frequently traveling between Iran, Turkey, and other countries to facilitate these alleged arms deals.

  • Mafi was arrested at LAX on Saturday night, April 19, 2026.
  • Mafi is expected to make her initial court appearance on Monday afternoon.

The players

Shamim Mafi

A 44-year-old Iranian national and U.S. lawful permanent resident from Woodland Hills, California, who was arrested at LAX on suspicion of arms trafficking for Iran.

Bill Essayli

The first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, who posted on X about Mafi's arrest.

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What’s next

If convicted, Shamim Mafi faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. She is expected to make her initial court appearance on Monday afternoon in U.S. District Court.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the federal government's efforts to monitor and disrupt alleged arms trafficking activities that could aid Iran's regional influence and military capabilities, underscoring the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran and the national security concerns surrounding the proliferation of restricted military technology.