Pakistani National Indicted for Illegal Nuclear-Related Exports to Pakistan
The Bureau of Industry and Security announces that a federal grand jury has indicted Nadeem Akhtar on charges related to a scheme to illegally export items that are used directly or indirectly in activities related to nuclear reactors and the processing and production of nuclear-related materials.
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Akhtar, a Pakistani national and lawful permanent resident of Maryland, owns Computer Communication USA (CC-USA).
Akhtar Allegedly Exported Radiation Detectors, Etc. to Pakistan, Concealed End-Use/Users
The indictment alleges that from October 2005 through March 11, 2010, Akhtar conspired with others to illegally export restricted goods and technology to Pakistan without the necessary licenses, specifically radiation detection devices, resins for coolant water purification, calibration and switching equipment, and surface refinishing abrasives. All of those items require a license for export because they can be used in activities related to nuclear reactors and the processing and production of nuclear material.
The indictment further alleges that Akhtar attempted to conceal the ultimate end-use and/or end-users of the commodities that he sought to purchase and export, and their true value by causing false, misleading and incomplete information to be placed on documents such as invoices, purchase orders, air bills, and end-user statements. Further the indictment alleges that Akhtar transported funds to carry out this illegal activity.
(According to the indictment, the export of certain goods and services from the U.S. to foreign countries is regulated, in order to protect, among other things, the national security of the U.S. A license to export certain items is required if the items are being exported to an end-user of concern or in support of a prohibited end-use.)
Akhtar Faces Combined Maximum Sentence of 45 Years
Akhtar faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy to commit export violations and to defraud the United States; a maximum of 20 years in prison for the unlawful export of goods; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
(BIS notes that an indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.)