Madi Mohammad Sadeghi, a 42-year-old from Natick, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy related to the illegal transfer of U.S. drone technology to Iran, which was implicated in a drone attack that killed three American soldiers. He remains held without bail pending a detention hearing while federal authorities pursue extradition of another conspirator from Italy.
A Natick resident, Madi Mohammad Sadeghi, aged 42, pleaded not guilty to charges related to the transportation of sensitive U.S. technology to Iran, which was allegedly used in a drone strike that resulted in the death of three U.S. soldiers. During his arraignment at the U.S. District Court in Boston, Sadeghi faced four counts of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and U.S. sanctions against Iran. Judge Donald Cabell determined that Sadeghi would remain in custody without bail pending further court proceedings, including a detention hearing rescheduled for January 2 and a status conference scheduled for February 12.
According to federal authorities, Sadeghi has been implicated in a conspiracy with Mohammad Abedini since 2016, where they allegedly collaborated to illegally send U.S. drone technology to Iran. Abedini is reported to own a company with affiliations to terrorism. Investigations traced components of a drone used in a January 28 attack on a military installation in Jordan back to Abedini’s company, which claimed the lives of three American soldiers and caused numerous injuries to others. Both individuals were arrested on December 16, and plans to extradite Abedini from Italy to the U.S. are underway.
The charges against Madi Mohammad Sadeghi arise from a broader context of international tensions and concerns regarding the transfer of sensitive military technology to foreign entities, particularly those linked to terrorism. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act allows the U.S. government to regulate and prohibit transactions and economic activities that threaten national security. The drone strike in question highlights the severe consequences of technological leaks, where U.S. military personnel faced direct threats from advanced weaponry potentially derived from American innovations, raising alarm about the implications of such conspiracies.
In summary, Madi Mohammad Sadeghi’s arraignment on conspiracy charges underscores significant national security concerns surrounding the illegal transfer of U.S. technology to Iran. His alleged collaboration with Mohammad Abedini marks a troubling example of how sensitive equipment can be exploited for hostile actions against U.S. forces abroad. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold, determining the extent of the allegations and Sadeghi’s potential culpability in this serious matter.
Original Source: www.metrowestdailynews.com
