Who Is Shamim Mafi? Iranian-Origin US Resident Arrested in $70 Million Iran-Sudan Arms Deal Case

Shamim Mafi lived the kind of life that fills social media feeds: a six-figure Mercedes, business trips to Istanbul, and the quiet luxury of Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. Behind that curated existence, according to US federal prosecutors, was a very different operation. The 44-year-old Iranian-origin businesswoman now stands accused of brokering weapons transfers between Iran and Sudan's military, amid one of the world's bloodiest civil wars.

Who is Shamim Mafi?

Mafi left Iran in 2013 and reportedly obtained US permanent residency in 2016, settling in an upscale Los Angeles neighbourhood. According to court records cited by The New York Post, she maintained ties to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security and allegedly used an Oman-registered firm, Atlas International Business, to conduct arms transactions as recently as 2025.

What Led to Her Arrest?

The FBI arrested Mafi at LAX on April 19 as she was reportedly about to board a flight to Istanbul. US Attorney Bill Essayli announced she faces charges of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a statute restricting transactions with sanctioned states.

What Weapons Were Allegedly Trafficked?

Prosecutors allege Mafi brokered the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition to the Sudanese Armed Forces. One deal involved 55,000 bomb fuses for Sudan's Ministry of Defence. A separate contract was reportedly worth $70 million for Mohajer-6 armed drones sourced from Iran's Ministry of Defence. 

Her company allegedly received over $7 million in payments in 2025 alone.

How Did She Evade Detection?

Mafi allegedly routed transactions through intermediaries in Turkey and the UAE to sidestep US sanctions monitoring, using Atlas International Business as the operational front.

What Was Her Alleged Motive?

Iran had reportedly seized properties Mafi inherited from her father, allegedly coercing her into brokering arms deals to recover them. Mafi has denied wrongdoing.

What is the Sudan Connection?

Sudan has been in civil war since 2023. Reportedly, Iranian military officials told Reuters in 2024 that Iranian-made drones had shifted military advantage toward the Sudanese Armed Forces, placing Mafi's alleged role at the centre of that pipeline.

What Happens Next?

Mafi faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. The case also spotlights how sanctioned states allegedly exploit diaspora networks and offshore firms to circumvent international arms embargoes.

(With inputs from yMedia)