Philly-area man charged with sales to Iran

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia-area man is denying charges he illegally shipped a variety of items to Iran.

Mohammad "Mitch" Vaghari, 41, Broomall, Pa., was free on his own recognizance Tuesday and proclaiming his innocence through his lawyer.

Vaghari was indicted Monday on charges he allegedly arranged to have items including fuel-cell system, helicopter pilot helmets and lab equipment moved to Iran through the United Arab Emirates.

Attorney William DeStefano told The Philadelphia Inquirer that his client acknowledged shipping the goods to Dubai, which isn't illegal. But U.S. authorities alleged that the products were transferred on to Iran in violation of U.S. export laws.

Vaghari was charged with multiple violations of the International Emergency Powers Act while a co-defendant, Mir Gahmei of Maryland, was charged with one count.