Nader Modanlo, the one-time president of the defunct U.S. satellite communications firm Final Analysis, was found guilty June 11 by a federal jury in Maryland of illegally helping Iran launch its first satellite, a remote sensing and telecommunications spacecraft that launched from Russia in 2005. The conviction followed a six-week trial in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Md.
Modanlo, 52, of Potomac, Md., was found guilty of one count of conspiracy, six counts of money laundering, one count obstructing a bankruptcy proceeding and two counts of violating a U.S. embargo on trade with Iran. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a third count of violating the Iran Trade Embargo, according to prosecutors.
Modanlo, a U.S. citizen born in Iran, faces five to 20 years in prison for each of the convictions when he is sentenced Sept. 11. Prosecutors are also seeking the forfeiture of $10 million Modanlo was paid for facilitating the construction and launch of the Iranian satellite.
Five other defendants charged in the indictment are Iranian nationals and remain at large.
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