Replies

Cindy, I recall this VSSC case. Back in 2007 when the guy was arrested. When searching I belive I confused the guy with another proliferator associated with the AQ Khan network. Asher Karni accused of selling 200 triggered spark gaps to Humayun Khan, a Pakistani man believed connected to a larger terrorist group in Jammu and Kashmir, only sentenced to three years in prison! Nine years was the max for exactly what Sudarsan did.

Proposed deal for a regulator made by Grove Regulators.

In June 2002, Rago Rao, acting on behalf of his customer, Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), in Thiruvananthampuram, India, asked Karni to quote a price on a “12-inch ANSI 300 Mode180 flexflo Regulator, FIN: 11351 NKA-120,” made by Grove Regulators of Elk Grove, IL. VSSC is on the Department of Commerce's Entity List, a list of entities of proliferation concern. Rao told Karni in an email, “Owing to the fact that VSSC are still in the US embargo list, they believe they may not be able to procure it directly (from) the supplier, hence have sent the enquiry to us to see if we can quote to them and supply from some other source.” In quoting Rao, Karni said, “be aware that the end user VSSC has been in direct touch with GROVE and have received already quotes from them, but they have quoted me too, and I will be able to execute the order.” After receiving a quote from Karni, Rao replied, “VSSC needs the item definitely, so if GROVE are willing to supply through you, they will not mind paying the extra price. That is why the end-user contacted us in the first place when he knew he could use our services through South Africa. So, if GROVE do not mind supplying the item to you, knowing that it is meant for VSSC, let us go ahead.” Court records do not show whether the deal was ever completed.

Asher Karni Case Shows Weakness in Nuclear Export Controls
http://www.isis-online.org/publications/southafrica/asherkarni.html