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NEWPORT BEACH, CA - On Wednesday, FBI agents executed a high-profile predawn raid on a luxurious $35 million estate in an exclusive, gated Newport Coast community. Federal agents arrested dual U.S.-Iranian citizen and tech CEO Jamshid Ghomi. He is being accused of orchestrating schemes to supply American computer hardware to Iran's military and nuclear programs in direct violation of U.S. sanctions.

Bold Predawn Raid at Opulent Mansion

The 63-year-old tech tycoon was taken into custody at his picturesque, 14,000-square-foot Italianate mansion located at the end of a cul-de-sac on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Like a scene out of the movies, dozens of federal agents decked out in tactical gear and armed with automatic weapons descended on the sprawling property and seized evidence. Ghomi was arrested in the presence of his wife and two adult sons. He is expected to appear in federal court in Santa Ana on charges of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Decade-Long Scheme to Supply Iran

According to prosecutors, Ghomi used a Tehran company he founded, Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh, to procure and illegally export over 250 tons of U.S.-origin computer networking equipment.

Allegedly, Ghomi personally negotiated purchases from suppliers in states such as Minnesota and Nebraska. Then, he routed shipments through front companies in the United Arab Emirates and freight forwarders in Dubai to conceal Iran as the ultimate destination. Internal communications reportedly referred to Iran as the “Motherland.” He is also accused of using personal eBay and PayPal accounts for additional purchases.

The scheme lasted more than a decade. Authorities say that this hardware reached hundreds of Iranian entities, including sanctioned government and military customers.

Ghomi is accused of aiding our declared enemies by selling US-origin computer networking parts to Iran and earning millions of dollars in violation of US sanction laws. We will hold him accountable by seeking an appropriate prison sentence and by seizing his assets, including his $35 million Newport Beach mansion." - U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli

Millions Earned While Reporting Minimal Income

Federal prosecutors allege the schemes generated millions of dollars in revenue. Meanwhile, Ghomi reported scarce income to the IRS. His highest reported income was just over $20,000. All the while, he used money earned through his schemes to construct his lavish, multi-million dollar estate. Investigations are also examining potential money laundering and tax evasion charges.

National Security Implications

The case underscores ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions against Iran, one of the world’s leading state sponsors of terrorism. Especially amid the ongoing Iranian conflict, officials have emphasized that such violations directly threaten national security by potentially bolstering adversarial military and nuclear capabilities.