Man accused of smuggling nuclear parts
20 April 2009
A Toronto resident has been arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and charged with attempting to illegally export devices that can be used in the enrichment of uranium.
Mahmoud Yadegari was arrested on 16 April following an extensive investigation conducted by the RCMP Greater Toronto Customs and Excise Section in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), and the US Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Yadegari has been charged with trying to procure and export items known as 'pressure transducers'. This devices, which are used in the production of enriched uranium, have a legitimate commercial use but can also be used for military applications, the RCMP said in a statement. The police said that their 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 that its Customs & Excise Program works in close collaboration with industry, domestic and international government partners, law enforcement and the community to disrupt and prevent the illicit traffic, diversion and proliferation of strategic goods and technology.
Inspector Greg Johnson, officer in charge of the GTA Customs and Excise Section commented, "The RCMP is committed to working with our domestic and international partners to ensure that strategic goods are not unlawfully exported from Canada and that anyone engaged in illicit proliferation activities is brought to justice."
The RCMP noted that the investigation is ongoing and further charges may follow.