Iranian woman living in Los Angeles arrested for alleged trafficking of military equipment

Authorities said Mafi left Iran in 2013 and obtained permanent U.S. residency in 2016 during the Obama administration.

Published: April 19, 2026 6:46pm

A 44-year-old Iranian woman living in Los Angeles was arrested on allegations that she was involved in trafficking military equipment, including drones and explosives, on behalf of Tehran.

Shamim Mafi was taken into custody Saturday night at Los Angeles International Airport. 

She has been charged with allegedly arranging the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition intended for Sudan, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Authorities said Mafi left Iran in 2013 and obtained permanent U.S. residency in 2016 during the Obama administration.

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