Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 17, 2008
Additional U.S. Actions Against Iran’s Proliferation ActivitiesToday, the United States is taking several actions against the Mayrow General Trading Company, and its global network, for its involvement in providing weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related, military and dual-use items to Iran. The Department of Justice has unsealed a criminal indictment against sixteen foreign-based defendants related to the Mayrow network, and the Department of Commerce placed more than 100 entities world-wide on the Commerce Entity List. In addition, the Department of the Treasury designated six entities today, pursuant to Executive Order 13382, for their role in WMD proliferation.
Some of the entities and individuals identified today played a vital role in the acquisition or attempted acquisition of electronic components and devices capable of being used in the construction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These components and devices have been, and may continue to be, employed in IEDs or other explosive devices used against Coalition Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The network relied on a series of front companies around the world to disguise Iran’s hand in the procurement activity. The entities designated by the Treasury Department also engaged in procurement on behalf of Iran of conventional weapons parts, military aircraft spare parts, and dual-use goods that can be used in nuclear-related activities.
Today’s actions are a continuation of the U.S. Government’s efforts to halt Iran’s involvement in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. This ability of Iran to use this network to support its global procurement activities highlights Iran’s deceptive practices in the international commercial system and the risk associated with doing business with Iran.
For additional information on the Commerce Department’s actions, please visit: www.bis.doc.gov.
For additional information on the Justice Department’s actions, please visit: www.usdoj.gov.
For additional information on the Treasury Department’s actions, please visit: www.ustreas.gov/ofac.
2008/734
Released on September 17, 2008
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