Canadian charged in attempt to ship banned nuclear technology to Iran

TORONTO -- A Toronto man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to export nuclear technology to Iran.

Mahmoud Yadegari, a Canadian citizen, was to appear in court this morning to face federal customs charges but he may face additional charges for violating a United Nations embargo.

Mr. Yadegari attempted to "procure and export" pressure transducers used in the production of enriched uranium, the RCMP said in a statement this morning.

He was allegedly purchasing the materials in the United States, and sending it to Dubai but the end destination was Iran, said RCMP Sgt. Marc Laporte.

While enriched uranium is used to produce nuclear fuel, it is also a component of nuclear weapons. The UN has banned exports of nuclear technology to Iran because of its alleged efforts to acquire nuclear weapons.

"The police investigation shows that steps to conceal the identification specifications of these transducers were taken in order to export the items without the required export permits," the RCMP said.

The charges, which were laid on Thursday, followed an "extensive investigation" involving RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Adding a link:

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/620123
(”with files from The Canadian Press”)

“Toronto man accused in Iran nuclear plot”

“Police say man tried to send device used to enrich uranium to Iran”
Apr 17, 2009 08:10 PM
MIKE FUNSTON
STAFF REPORTER

SNIPPET: “A Toronto man has been charged with attempting to ship devices to Iran to that can be used to make enriched uranium for nuclear weapons.

The suspect was identified as Mahmoud Yadegari, 38, of Toronto, a Canadian citizen who came to Canada from Iran in 1998, according to the RCMP.”

SNIPPET: “He is charged with attempting to procure and export 10 items known as pressure transducers under the Customs Act and Export Import Permits Act and under the United Nations Act, Iran Regulations, RCMP Inspector Greg Johnson said, adding that more charges are pending.

The transducers, which are used in centrifuges to produce enriched uranium, have a legitimate commercial use but can also be used for military purposes, Johnson said.”

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