Who is Shamim Mafi? Iranian-origin businesswoman arrested in US for allegedly trafficking arms on behalf of Tehran

Arrest and Charges

The accused, Shamim Mafi, 44, a resident of Woodland Hills and a US green card holder, has been charged with brokering deals involving Iranian drones, bombs, and millions of rounds of ammunition intended for Sudan, reported New York Post.

According to the office of the US Attorney for the Central District of California, Mafi allegedly carried out the transactions while maintaining close contact with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, which is said to have provided instructions and funding for her operations, the newspaper reported.

First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed the arrest in a post on X.

“Last night, Shamim Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for trafficking arms on behalf of the government of Iran,” he wrote.

He added that she is charged under US law for brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition allegedly manufactured by Iran and sold to Sudan. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

Mafi is expected to make her initial appearance in a US District Court in Los Angeles on Monday.

Alleged Network and Deals

Citing court records, media reports said Mafi allegedly used an Oman-registered firm, Atlas International Business, to facilitate weapons deals as recently as 2025.

Among the transactions was a contract reportedly worth over $70 million for Iranian-made Mohajer-6 armed drones sourced from Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.

She is believed to have left Iran in 2013 and became a permanent resident of the United States in 2016.

Rising US-Iran Tensions

The arrest comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran in recent weeks.

The US and Israel carried out strikes targeting Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory actions by Tehran across parts of the Middle East.

Amid the escalating situation, US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran, urging it to end what he described as its “killing machine.”

Speaking on Truth Social, Trump accused Iran of violating a ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz and warned of severe consequences if a proposed deal is not accepted.

“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable deal. If they don’t take it, the United States is going to knock out every single power plant and every single bridge in Iran. No more Mr. Nice Guy!” he said.

Talks between the two sides are scheduled to take place in Pakistan, just days before a two-week ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday.