Turkish man sentenced for attempting to ship US-origin marine power equipment to Iran

On August 29, 2019, a Turkish businessman who had earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate US sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 USC § 1705, was sentenced to 27 months in prison.  The businessman, Resit Tavan, admitted to using the company he owns, Ramor Dis Ticaret Ltd., to acquire marine related equipment manufactured in the US, including high-powered outboard engines, marine power generators, and power boat propulsion equipment, on behalf of the Iran-based Qeshm Madkandalou Shipbuilding Cooperative, in violation of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), 31 CFR Part 560.203-205 and 18 USC §554(a).  According to Tavan’s plea, at no time during the relevant period between 2013 and 2015 had Tavan obtained permission from OFAC or the US Department of Commerce to export the US-origin equipment to Iran.  Tavan’s co-defendant, Fulya Kalafatoglu Oguzturk, remains at large.

DOJ press release | Plea agreement