NY Man and Co. Sentenced for Illegal Export of Computer Equipment to Iran
On February 17, 2012, the Justice Department announced that Jeng "Jay" Shih was sentenced to 18 months in prison, while his company, Sunrise Technologies and Trading Corporation, was sentenced to 24 months corporate probation for conspiracy to illegally export U.S.-origin computers to Iran through the United Arab Emirates in violation of the Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
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Conspired with UAE Company to Procure U.S.-Origin Goods for Export to Iran
Beginning as early as 2007, Shih conspired with Company X, a firm operating in Dubai, UAE and Tehran, Iran to procure U.S.-origin computers through Sunrise and export them to Iran through Dubai, without first obtaining a license or authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Caused Illegal Export ofMore Than 700 Computer-Related Units to Iran
In April, 2010, Shih and his company caused the illegal export of 368 units of computer-related goods to Dubai, which were later sent to Iran. Later that month, the defendants caused the illegal export of 158 additional units of computer-related goods to Dubai, which were later sent to Iran. The defendants subsequently caused an additional 185 units of computer-related goods to be illegally exported to Iran via Dubai.
Agreed to Forfeit $1.25M, Are Denied Export Privileges for 10 Years
Under the terms of the plea and related civil settlements, both Shih and his company agreed to forfeit in the amount of $1.25 million. In addition, Shih and Sunrise were denied export privileges for 10 years; although, this penalty will be suspended provided that neither Shih nor Sunrise commits any export violations.
(See ITT's Online Archives 11101219 for summary of Shih's October 2011 guilty plea.)