Ray Hunt, also known by the names Abdolrahman Hantoosh, Rahman Hantoosh, and Rahman Natooshas, has recently been sentenced to five years in prison for violating U.S. trade laws.
The 71-year-old from Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally export American-made goods to Iran.
This breach was in direct violation of the U.S. trade sanctions that aim to restrict such activities.
The case reached its conclusion in July 2024 when Hunt acknowledged his wrongdoings.
How It All Started
Back in May 2014, Hunt established Vega Tools LLC in Alabama, registering the company with the state.
The business was described as one that handled the purchase and resale of equipment for the energy sector.
Operating from various locations in Madison County, Hunt took charge of everything from purchasing to shipping U.S.-origin industrial equipment.
However, what initially seemed like a legitimate business venture soon spiraled into illegal activities.
The Conspiracy Unfolds
From as early as 2015, Hunt began conspiring with two Iranian companies in Tehran to unlawfully export U.S.-manufactured industrial gear.
These items were destined for use in Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. This illegal operation continued until Hunt’s arrest in November 2022.
He managed to keep his activities under the radar for years by using several deceptive tactics.
Deceptive Tactics to Avoid Detection
To avoid drawing the attention of U.S. authorities, Hunt took several steps to hide his involvement in the illegal exports.
He relied on third-party companies based in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to transship goods and route payments through banks in the UAE.
In addition, he manipulated shipping companies by underreporting the value of his exports, thus avoiding the requirement to file the necessary export paperwork with U.S. authorities.
Moreover, Hunt misled both his suppliers and the shipping companies by claiming that the equipment was intended for Turkey and the UAE, even though he was fully aware that the final destination was Iran.
He even went so far as to lie to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in March 2020 when questioned about his business during a return trip from Iran.
Legal Action and Collaboration
The sentencing of Ray Hunt comes after a joint effort by multiple U.S. authorities.
Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, along with U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama, played key roles in the case.
John Sonderman, Acting Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and Kevin Vorndran, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, also contributed to the case’s resolution.
The BIS, in collaboration with the FBI, conducted a thorough investigation.
Prosecuting the case were Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Cross and Henry Cornelius, as well as Trial Attorneys Emma Ellenrieder and Adam Barry from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The End of the Line
Hunt’s sentencing marks the end of a long legal battle, highlighting the seriousness with which the U.S. government enforces its trade laws.
His actions not only violated international trade regulations but also posed a significant risk to national security by aiding a country under heavy economic sanctions.
The case serves as a reminder of the strict penalties associated with conspiring to export goods to sanctioned nations.