The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) announced today that Kanira Trade Ltd. and its sole director, Nematollah Helmi of North Vancouver, were sentenced today in British Columbia Supreme Court for illegally exporting goods to Iran, contrary to provisions of the Customs Act and Export Import Permits Act (EIPA).
Nematollah Helmi was also sentenced for making false statements under the Customs Act and for willfully furnishing false or misleading information in an application for a permit under the EIPA. The Court fined Helmi $50,000 and Kanira Trade Ltd. $25,000.
On March 26, 1999, Customs Officers at Vancouver International Airport seized two shipments of scientific research equipment tendered for export by Kanira Trade Ltd. The seized goods included a vibroslicer and a radiation survey meter.
CCRA investigators later discovered that in 1998 and 1999 the company had exported an additional seven shipments of similar items that could be used for chemical, biological and nuclear research. The items, including a gas chromatograph, digital oscilloscopes, a hydrophone and laser testing equipment, were sent to companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Kanira Trade Ltd. then arranged for the goods to be shipped to Iran.
US origin goods destined for Iran require individual export permits to be provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT). Kanira Trade Ltd. did not apply for such permits prior to the goods being exported. After Canada Customs seized the goods, Helmi submitted false documentation to DFAIT in order to have the goods returned to his company. Although the goods were destined for Iran, the false documentation Helmi submitted showed the ultimate consignees as being UAE companies.
The Customs Act requires that all goods that are controlled, prohibited, or regulated by any Act of Parliament be presented to Canada Customs for examination with the required permits, certificates, or licenses prior to exportation, regardless of the value of the goods. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
