DETROIT - An Indonesian businessman who tried to illegally export sensitive military equipment pleaded guilty here today to conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and money laundering.

The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Murphy, Eastern District of Michigan; Brian M. Moskowitz, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agent in charge; and James G. Randas, resident agent in charge of the Columbus, Ohio, office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).

Hadianto Djoko Djuliarso, 41, of Jakarta, Indonesia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge John Feikens.

This guilty plea resulted from an investigation by ICE and DCIS which revealed that Djuliarso and Ibrahim Amran attempted to purchase defense-related equipment, including radar and guidance parts for military aircraft. The defendants then planned to illegally smuggle those items to foreign countries. Djuliarso and other members of the conspiracy also took steps to purchase 882 machine guns, 800 H&K handguns, and 16 sniper rifles. The men also made inquiries into purchasing 245 Sidewinder missiles and a large quantity of strafing ammunition. The illegal export items were valued at more than $1 million.

The scheme was uncovered by ICE and DCIS agents working in Michigan and Hawaii. The agents arrested Djuliarso and Amran before any of the military weaponry left the country. They also confiscated more than $600,000, which has been transferred to the United States to pay for the first shipment of defense equipment.

"This case reveals the importance of keeping sensitive U.S. military components out of the wrong hands," ICE Special Agent in Charge Moskowitz said. "The joint work of ICE and DCIS halted the illegal proliferation of arms and strategic technology."

Under the plea agreement, Djuliarso faces up to 87 months in prison. He also agreed to forfeit the more than $600,000 seized during the investigation. Djuliarso's sentencing date will be set by the court.

Three additional defendants have pleaded guilty in this case, including:

• Ignatius Soeharli, 49, of Indonesia, pleaded guilty Jan. 11 for violating the Arms Export Control Act. He faces up to 57 months imprisonment. His sentencing date has not been set.



• Ibrahim bin Amran, 46, of Singapore, pleaded guilty in December 2006 to conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and money laundering. Bin Amran faces up to 87 months imprisonment. His sentencing date has not been set.



• David Beecroft, 44, of the United Kingdom, pleaded guilty in October 2006 to conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act. He was sentenced to eight months imprisonment. Upon his release from prison he will be deported.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Judge, Eastern District of Michigan, prosecuted the case.

-- ICE --