LA Woman Arrested for Helping Iran Traffic Weapons to Sudan

A 44-year-old woman from Los Angeles was arrested in Anchorage, Alaska, on suspicion of assisting Iran in trafficking weapons to Sudan, according to federal authorities.

The arrest occurred on April 18, 2026, following a coordinated investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Department of Justice. The woman, identified as Marisol Chen, was taken into custody at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport after arriving on a flight from Los Angeles.

Federal prosecutors allege that Chen facilitated the movement of military-grade components, including rifle scopes and encrypted communication devices, from Iran to Sudan through a network involving intermediaries in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The items were allegedly disguised as commercial electronics and shipped via air cargo to evade detection.

According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, Chen used multiple bank accounts under her name and aliases to receive payments totaling over $850,000 from entities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The funds were then used to purchase equipment in the U.S. Before being forwarded to Sudan.

Investigators said the scheme relied on front companies registered in California and Nevada that falsely declared shipments as consumer goods. HSI special agents intercepted several packages in late 2025 containing parts consistent with small arms upgrades, which led to the identification of Chen as a central node in the supply chain.

“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to disrupting illicit arms networks that threaten regional stability and violate U.S. Export controls,” said Acting Deputy Director of ICE HSI Katrina Nguyen in a statement. “We will continue to work with our partners to identify and dismantle these networks wherever they operate.”

Chen faces charges including conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act, money laundering, and making false statements to federal agents. Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. She is currently detained without bond pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 2, 2026.

The case is part of an ongoing federal initiative targeting sanctions evasion and illicit arms flows involving Iran, particularly in regions experiencing conflict such as Sudan. U.S. Officials have increased scrutiny on dual-use goods shipments transiting through major logistics hubs like Anchorage, Los Angeles, and Dubai.

As of April 19, 2026, no additional arrests have been announced in connection with the investigation, though authorities indicated the probe remains active and may lead to further charges.