The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Abdolhossein Khedri and three shipping companies pursuant to Executive Order 13224 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). OFAC also designated three Mahan Air general sales agents (GSAs) according to Executive Order 13224.
According to OFAC, Abdolhossein Khedri has been involved in shipping operations for the IRGC-QF for over 10 years. Since 2018, Khedri has used his companies, Khedri Jahan Darya Co, Maritime Silk Road LLC, and Khedri Jahan Darya Co., to support the IRGC-QF’s smuggling operations.
Mahan Air was designated in October 2011 for transporting IRGC-QF operatives, weapons, equipment, and funds. On July 23, 2019, OFAC issued an advisory to inform the civil aviation industry of potential exposure to US government economic sanctions for providing unauthorized support to designated Iranian airlines. Per the July 23rd advisory, GSAs are third parties that provide support services to an airline under the airline’s brand. These services range from sales, financial, administrative, and marketing services to freight reception and handling. OFAC is now taking action against three GSAs that support Mahan Air’s commercial operations: Gatewick LLC, Jahan Destination Travel and Tourism LLC, and Gomei Air Services Co.
As a result of the designations, all US property belonging to Khedri and the six named entities is blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from dealing with the property or property interests of blocked or designated persons. Also, persons that engage in certain transactions with the designated entities may themselves be exposed to designation.
US Dept of the Treasury Press Release | Aviation Industry Advisory