Iranian woman arrested at LAX in Sudan arms case

April 20, 2026

Summary

Federal authorities said a woman arrested at LAX helped broker Iranian arms sales to Sudan, including drones, bomb fuses, and ammunition.

Why this matters

The case involves alleged arms trafficking tied to Iran and Sudan, two countries under close U.S. scrutiny. It also highlights U.S. enforcement of federal sanctions and export-related laws.

Federal authorities arrested an Iranian woman Friday at Los Angeles International Airport on allegations she brokered weapons deals involving Sudan.

“Last night, Shamim Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for trafficking arms on behalf of the government of Iran,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli wrote Sunday on X.

“She is charged with a violation of 50 U.S.C. 1705 for brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition manufactured by Iran and sold to Sudan.”

According to Essayli, Mafi became a U.S. citizen in 2016. He said she worked with others on behalf of Iran and was preparing to board a flight from California to Turkey when she was arrested.

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