A retired businessperson has been found guilty of exporting military fighter jet parts to Iran, in breach of export controls. Alexander George, along with two others, Iris and Paul Attwater, were convicted for using deceptive methods to ship the parts to Iran from 2010 to 2016.
Indirect shipping of fighter jet parts
Mr George purchased the fighter jet parts in the USA, and shipped them to his various companies in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. These companies then shipped the parts to Iran, which is subject to trade embargoes and sanctions which prohibit the export of military or dual-use items. Dual-use items are those which could have both civilian and military uses.
After becoming concerned about being investigated by the FBI and CIA, Mr George involved Mr and Mrs Attwater in the exportation of the parts through their aviation company. However, by 2010 a number of exports by the Attwaters’ aviation company had been blocked by HMRC. HMRC interviewed Mr George twice over the exports, and all three individuals were warned about exporting the parts without a licence. Despite these warnings, the trio then attempted further concealment of the illegal exportation. They set up a new company in Holland, through which the items were shipped to Malaysia before being sent to Iran.
Tough penalties
Following an investigation and prosecution by HMRC, Mr George received a sentence of two and a half years imprisonment. Mr and Mrs Attwater, who were sentenced in 2016, each received a suspended sentence of six months imprisonment.
It has been estimated by HMRC that Mr George made profits of more than £5 million from evading export controls, and Mr and Mrs Attwater benefited to the tune of £500,000. HMRC intend to undertake proceedings to recover the profits made by the group.
A clear example of the UK’s tough export controls in action
This case highlights that UK export controls apply equally to individuals carrying out activities in the UK, and to UK nationals carrying out activities abroad. Exporters of goods or technology that may have military or internal repression uses should check carefully whether their products are covered by UK or EU export controls.
Simon Elsegood