Background and Legal Status

The accused. Identified as Mafi. Is an Iranian national who has been a lawful permanent resident of the United States since 2016, though she maintains a US residence but frequently travels to Iran, Turkey, and Oman, as detailed in the complaint. Mafi previously lived in Istanbul, Turkey, from 2013 to 2016, according to the documents.

During an interview with federal officials, Mafi reportedly stated that her first husband was an officer for Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, the intelligence arm of the Iranian government. This connection may have played a role in her alleged involvement in the arms deals.

Alleged Arms Dealing Activities

Mafi and a co-conspirator, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly brokered weapons deals through their company, Atlas International. The illegal weapons dealing allegedly took place in several locations, including California, according to the complaint.

In one such deal, Mafi allegedly facilitated the sale of Iranian-manufactured drones by the Iranian government to Sudan’s Ministry of Defense, a contract valued at more than €60 million. Mafi herself reportedly earned $6 million euros in payment after “[coordinating] the Sudanese delegation’s travel to Iran.”

Sudan has been fighting a civil war since 2023, a conflict that has killed as many as hundreds of thousands of civilians and displaced upwards of 13 million people in the region. This context may have influenced the scale and nature of the alleged arms trafficking.

Personal Life and Evidence

According to the Los Angeles Times, pictures posted to social media show Mafi posing with weapons at a warehouse in Turkey and enjoying a beach day in California. These images may provide further insight into her lifestyle and possible connections to the arms trade.

If convicted, Mafi faces up to 20 years in federal prison. She is expected to make her first court appearance on Monday at the US district court in Los Angeles. The case is being closely watched by legal experts and the public, given the potential geopolitical implications of the alleged trafficking.

Separately, a different incident in Corona, California, saw a suspect die in a police shooting after allegedly brandishing a metal bar near an Applebee’s restaurant. The suspect was found armed with a metal bar, and after refusing to drop it, police opened fire, resulting in the suspect’s death. A driver inside a vehicle was also injured but survived with moderate injuries. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the coroner’s office is expected to release more details in the coming days.