DOJ Charges Alabama Man With Violating US Sanctions on Iran

DOJ unsealed a 15-count indictment Nov. 29 charging Madison County, Alabama, resident Ray Hunt with conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions on Iran, defrauding the U.S., smuggling goods from the U.S., and submitting false export information, the department announced. Hunt faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, up to five years for the count of conspiracy, 10 for the smuggling charge and another five for the false information charge.

Beginning in 2017, Hunt allegedly conspired to ship U.S.-origin parts used in the oil and gas industry through his company, Vega Tools, to buyers in Iran, DOJ said. The parts included control valves and oil tubing. Hunt allegedly transshipped the goods through Turkey and the United Arab Emirates to skirt American sanctions.