Summary

On November 1, 2011, Medchem Corporation (Medchem) and Hasan Ibrahim were indicted in U.S. District Court, San Francisco, California, on charges of illegal transportation of hazardous materials, attempted placement of destructive substances on aircraft, attempted smuggling of goods, and failure to file export information. Mr. Ibrahim is the president and owner of Medchem, an exporter based in South San Francisco that is being charged for the illegal shipment of chemicals, medical equipment, and diagnostics to Saudi Arabia. Medchem was required to properly identify the materials to be shipped and ensure the correct labels were affixed to the packages and containers. 

According to the indictment, Mr. Ibrahim caused 64 boxes of goods to be delivered to a freight forwarder for exportation to Saudi Arabia. The shipment contained over 30 separate chemicals designated as a hazardous material under federal regulations. Among the items shipped included Sulfuryl Chloride and Chloroacetonitrile, materials that are prohibited under federal law from being transported by aircraft. None of the labels on the boxes indicated the contents as containing hazardous materials. 

This investigation is being worked jointly with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Commerce, Internal Revenue Service, and Federal Aviation Administration. 

Note:  Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.