En-Wei Eric Chang, Exporting Defense Articles to Iran, Maryland 2002
Baltimore, Maryland - En-Wei Eric Chang, a 48-year-old US citizen and resident of Taiwan, pleaded guilty today to a federal conspiracy charge related to the export of defense materials to Iran, violating the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR).
The guilty plea was announced by Erek L. Barron, US Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office.
"National security is a top priority, and we will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those who put us at risk," said US Attorney Erek L. Barron.
According to the plea agreement, Chang conspired with David Chu to ship items on the Munitions List to Iran without obtaining the proper licensing. Chu had a business relationship with an Iranian businessman and was the sole individual in contact with the Iranian businessman during the time of the conspiracy.
Between January 2002 and March 2003, Chang and Chu worked together to export defense articles, including satellite imagery and antennas, to Iran. Chang admitted that he knew that the acquisition of the antennas from the United States for export either directly or indirectly to Iran without proper licensing was a violation of the laws of the United States.
Chang's guilty plea is a significant blow to those who attempt to compromise national security by violating US sanctions and export laws. The US Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland will continue to work tirelessly to protect our nation's security and bring perpetrators to justice.
The case is being prosecuted by Erek L. Barron, US Attorney for the District of Maryland.
Chang faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for his role in the conspiracy.
Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: Violent Crime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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