A Lebanese businessman was sentenced to 44 months in prison for illegally attempting to export U.S.-made drilling equipment to Iran, violating American sanctions laws, the Department of Justice announced.
Brian Assi, 63, of Beirut, was convicted of conspiring to ship two blasthole drills worth $2.7 million from Florida to Iran through intermediaries in Iraq and Turkey.
The case underscores ongoing efforts to prevent American technology from reaching Iran, which the U.S. has designated as a state sponsor of terrorism for four decades. Heavy machinery, such as blasthole drills, can be used in mining operations involving controlled explosives.
Assi worked as a Middle East-based salesman for a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with a subsidiary in Alachua, Florida. He conspired with Tehran-based Sakht Abzar Pars Co. to circumvent export controls.
The scheme involved using an Iraqi distributor as a front buyer while concealing Iran as the true destination. Assi told his employer the drills were bound for Iraq, but prosecutors said he planned to transship them from Turkey to Iran.
“The defendant conspired to export millions of dollars of U.S.-made heavy machinery to Iran, a leading state sponsor of terrorism,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “The National Security Division will find and prosecute those who illegally sell American products to our adversaries.”
Assi falsified shipping documents in the government’s Automated Export System database. He misled the U.S. freight forwarder about the ultimate recipient and destination.
The money trail went through Turkey before reaching the United States. Prosecutors stated that approximately $2.7 million passed through American financial systems as part of the illicit transaction.
“The defendant threatened U.S. economic and national security by conspiring and concealing his efforts to circumvent our export controls to provide heavy machinery to Iran, a designated state sponsor of terrorism for the past 40 years,” said U.S. Attorney John P. Heckin for the Northern District of Florida.
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security investigated the case. Assi was convicted in October 2024 on charges including conspiracy to violate sanctions regulations, attempted unlawful export, smuggling, and money laundering.
The sentencing comes as federal authorities continue cracking down on sanctions violations. Recent cases have included the arrests of individuals attempting to export sophisticated electronics and classified defense information.