Three German-Iranians with dual citizenship and a German were picked up on suspicion of exporting components for an Iranian heavy water reactor plant.
German officials yesterday (Wednesday) broke up an alleged Iranian smuggling ring that was supplying key components to its nuclear programme, arresting four people accused of organising the illegal exports.
Three German-Iranians with dual citizenship and a German were picked up from homes in Hamburg, Oldenburg and Weimar on suspicion of exporting components for an Iranian heavy water reactor plant.
The large-scale operation involved 90 customs officers and investigators. Officials also raided the suspects' business premises.
"In 2010 and 2011 the suspects are believed to have helped in the delivery of special valves for the construction of a heavy water reactor in Iran and therefore to have broken the Iran embargo," prosecutors said in a statement.
The four stand accused of breaking an arms embargo against Iran and restrictions prohibiting the exports of goods that the state could use for a military purpose.
To circumvent the restrictions, the valves were sent to "front" companies in Turkey and Azerbaijan. The components were then shipped on to firms in Iran responsible for the construction of reactors.
"The deliveries were part of an order worth several million euros, which Iran was trying to use to secure the necessary valve technology to make a heavy water reactor," added prosecutors.
The US, the European Union and the United Nations have imposed sanctions on Iran aimed at putting pressure on the country to limit its development of a nuclear programme. Tehran claims it only wants to develop an atomic energy sector.
The four, known only Rudolf M, Kianzad Ka, Gholamali Ka, and Hamid Kh, are due to appear before a court on Thursday.
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