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U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Michael J. Garcia today announced a $25,000 fine and a three-year denial of export privileges on Microtek International Development Systems Division Inc. (Microtek), a technology company located in Hillsboro, Oregon, for alleged violations of the Export Administration Regulations.
The Department alleged that Microtek attempted to ship computer processor emulators to Iran through Taiwan without obtaining an export license while knowing that a license was required. Computer processor emulators are diagnostic electronic test equipment used to de-bug hardware and software. Microtek also was charged with making a false statement on an airway bill by stating that the ultimate destination of the items was Taiwan, when, in fact, the ultimate destination of the items was Iran. Microtek's President, Joe-Pin Ouyang was charged separately by the Department with attempting to export computer processor emulators without obtaining the required export license. In December 1999, Microtek and Mr. Ouyang pled guilty to related criminal charges in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.
Microtek and Mr. Ouyang neither admitted nor denied the allegations, but Microtek agreed to a fine of $25,000, and both Microtek and Mr. Ouyang each agreed to a three-year denial of exporting privileges to settle the charges. The three-year denials for both Microtek and Mr. Ouyang were suspended, provided that neither Microtek nor Mr. Ouyang commit any violations of the Regulations during the three-year period.
The Department of Commerce, through its Bureau of Export Administration, administers and enforces export controls for reasons of national security, foreign policy, nonproliferation, and short supply. Criminal penalties, as well as administrative sanctions, can be imposed for violations of the regulations.
Mr. Garcia commended the efforts of Julie Salcido, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Office of Export Enforcement's San Jose field office, who investigated the case.
In April of 2002 the Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) changed its name to the Bureau of Industry and Security(BIS). For historical purposes we have not changed the references to BXA in the legacy documents found in the Archived Press and Public Information.