Two Los Angeles-area men face trial in December on federal charges alleging they attempted to smuggle military aircraft parts and other potential defense items to Iran.
Zavik Zargarian, 52, of Glendale, and Vache Nayirian, 57, of Lakeview Terrace were among five defendants charged in a nine-count federal indictment unsealed Wednesday that details a conspiracy to purchase and ship jet fighter aircraft parts worth more than $3 million to Iran, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Additionally, several of the defendants are accused of buying and illegally exporting fluorocarbon rubber O-rings to Iran. The O-rings in question have a variety of possible military applications including use in aircraft hydraulic systems and landing gear.
Also named in the indictment are Zargarian’s Glendale-based company, ZNC Engineering, and two Iranian nationals, Hanri Terminassian, 55, and Hormoz Nowrouz, 56, both of whom are believed to be in Iran.
The charges stem from a lengthy undercover probe headed by Homeland Security Investigations.
Both men entered not guilty pleas in Los Angeles federal court Wednesday and were freed on bond. A trial was set for Dec. 20.
If convicted of the charges in the indictment, Zargarian would face up to 115 years in federal prison and a $4,770,000 fine. Nayirian, if found guilty of all counts, would face a maximum of 95 years in federal prison and a $3.77 million fine.
The U.S. embargo on Iran prohibits the export of goods, technology and services to Iran with very limited exceptions.
— City News Service