A quiet townhouse in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles County, hardly fits the image of an international weapons operation. Yet federal investigators claim that this was the base of a far-reaching network tied to Iran’s regime.

At the center of the case is Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian national accused of managing illegal arms deals across multiple countries while living comfortably in California for nearly a decade.

Authorities describe a striking contrast. On one side stood a routine suburban lifestyle. On the other, a complex system involving drones, bombs, and high-value weapons contracts tied to global conflict zones.

A Life Between Luxury and Allegations

Shamim Mafi moved to California in 2016 and held a US green card. During her time in the United States, investigators say she maintained strong and consistent connections with Iran’s intelligence and political circles.

Between 2022 and 2025 alone, she reportedly engaged in around 60 communications with an Iranian intelligence officer.

Facebook | Shamim Mafi | Since 2022, Shamim Mafi recorded 60 contacts with Iranian intelligence while living in California.

During questioning, Mafi made a revealing statement. She told agents she was “more useful” to Iran’s intelligence services abroad than within the United States. Officials believe this comment reflects her alleged role as a facilitator, connecting buyers and suppliers across borders.

Her personal history also raised concerns. Mafi was previously married to an Iranian intelligence operative linked to the Ministry of Intelligence. Even after that relationship ended, she remained in close contact with another operative who allegedly guided her activities and supported a US-based business venture.

Expanding Investigations Across California

Mafi’s arrest came alongside a broader crackdown involving individuals connected to Iran’s regime who had been living in California. Immigration authorities carried out several detentions, signaling a wider effort to examine potential influence networks.

Among those detained was Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, 47, identified as the niece of Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed in a US strike. She was arrested in Tujunga, north of Los Angeles, and her green card was revoked. Her daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, 25, was also taken into custody during the same operation.

In another case, Seyed Eissa Hashemi, 43, described as the son of a senior Iranian official known as “Screaming Mary,” was detained along with his wife and son after losing legal status. Iranian academic and media commentator Yousof Azizi was also held due to alleged ties with a Basij-affiliated organization linked to Iran’s security structure.

Business Fronts and Financial Tactics

Investigators say Mafi used a mix of legitimate business fronts and covert methods to carry out operations. One such effort involved a US-based company that claimed to send medical supplies to African countries through Oman.

Authorities suspect this setup served as a cover for financial movement and coordination.

Mafi also leveraged her connections to regain control of a property inherited from her father. The property had previously been seized by Iranian authorities, yet investigators say her ties helped reverse that decision in 2020.

In another instance, she reportedly benefited from influence that allowed her son to avoid mandatory military service in Iran. The same intelligence contact allegedly advised her to start a business helping Iranian-Americans reclaim confiscated properties, with a proposed arrangement of keeping 60% of the recovered value.

High-Stakes Weapons Deals

At the core of the case are allegations of large-scale arms transactions. One of the most significant deals involved a €60 million contract, equivalent to about $70.5 million, to supply Iranian-made Mohajer-6 armed drones to Sudan. The country has been facing a violent civil war since 2023, making such shipments highly sensitive.

The package reportedly included drones, guided bombs, control systems, and training services. Payments were structured through foreign exchanges and cash transfers designed to bypass US sanctions.

This deal was only part of a broader operation. Prosecutors claim Mafi negotiated transactions involving hundreds of aerial bombs, tens of thousands of bomb fuses linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, and large quantities of small arms.

One proposal outlined the supply of 70,000 AK-47 rifles, 1,000 rocket launchers, 500,000 rockets, and millions of rounds of ammunition. Another deal discussed up to 240 million rounds, valued at over $100 million.

Methods Designed to Avoid Detection

Facebook | Shamim Mafi | Mafi used encrypted talk, split payments, and offshore shadow networks to dodge the law.

Authorities describe a pattern of careful planning aimed at avoiding law enforcement. Mafi allegedly instructed associates to delete messages and avoid discussing sensitive matters over the phone. She also advised splitting transactions into smaller amounts to reduce attention.

Funds were often routed through informal exchange systems in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. In some cases, cash shipments were stored in crates filled with US dollars.

A February 2025 WhatsApp exchange provided a glimpse into these methods. Mafi sent a video showing a crate packed with $100 bills. She later claimed to have received $2 million from a contact connected to Sudan.

She also warned partners about the “sensitivity” of deals, urging them to keep details private and avoid open discussions.

Investigators tracked frequent travel between Los Angeles and key locations such as Iran, Turkey, and Oman. These trips allegedly allowed Mafi to meet contacts and coordinate deals in person.

Despite being interviewed by the FBI and Customs and Border Protection, no direct evidence was found during earlier interactions. The situation changed when federal agents arrested her at Los Angeles International Airport. She was preparing to board a flight to Istanbul, a city she had visited multiple times.

Political Connections and Influence

In 2024, Mafi was reportedly appointed to a role in the presidential campaign of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a prominent figure in Tehran and former mayor. Authorities believe this position highlights her access to influential circles within Iran’s leadership.

Prosecutors argue that these connections played a key role in enabling her alleged activities. They describe a system where political ties, intelligence links, and financial networks worked together to support large-scale operations.

The case against Shamim Mafi presents a detailed look at how international networks can operate behind ordinary settings. Federal prosecutors have charged her with conspiracy to violate US sanctions laws, pointing to what they describe as a sophisticated operation tied directly to Iran’s intelligence and political structure.

The investigation continues to unfold, with authorities examining financial records, communications, and global connections. The story raises ongoing questions about oversight, international cooperation, and how such networks manage to function across borders while remaining hidden in plain sight.