Pakistani National Accused of Smuggling Nuclear-Related Goods and Technology to Pakistan

Nadeem Akhtar of Maryland faces charges for the illegal exportation of items that are used directly or indirectly in activities related to nuclear reactors and the processing and production of nuclear-related materials.

“The indictment alleges that Nadeem Akhtar conspired to violate export regulations by selling controlled items while misrepresenting what they were and to whom they would be sold” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

Akhtar, a Pakistani national and lawful permanent resident of the U.S., owns Computer Communication USA (CC-USA). According to the indictment, the export of certain goods and services from the United States to foreign countries is regulated, in order to protect, among other things, the national security of the U.S. A license to export certain items is required if the items are being exported to an end-user of concern or in support of a prohibited end-use.

The indictment alleges that for the past 5 years, Akhtar conspired with others to illegally export restricted goods and technology to Pakistan without the necessary licenses. How? Akhtar is accused of concealing the ultimate end-use and/or end-users by causing false, misleading and incomplete information to be placed on documents such as invoices, purchase orders, air bills, and end-user statements. He also allegedly transported funds to carry out his scheme.

Akhtar faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy to commit export violations and to defraud the United States; a maximum of 20 years in prison for the unlawful export of goods; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

“U.S. businesses that produce regulated technology must remain vigilant about purchasers who misrepresent the intended use, especially as it relates to foreign transactions,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard A. McFeely. “We cannot let our guard down in keeping regulated technology from reaching those who are prohibited from acquiring it.”