Federal prosecutors say a Southern California woman was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while trying to board a flight to Turkey after allegedly brokering Iranian weapons sales to Sudan.
— F.A. United States Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) April 19, 2026
Federal authorities say Mafi emigrated from Iran to Istanbul before settling in Los Angeles and becoming a lawful permanent resident in 2016. Prosecutors allege she then worked with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, using an Omani shell company to move weapons and money between Iran and its proxies.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
