Philly arrest tied to Stinger missiles

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. authorities announced the arrest in Philadelphia of a man they believe was attempting to procure anti-aircraft missiles for delivery to Iran or Syria.

Federal authorities unsealed a criminal complaint against Dani Nemr Tarraf for conspiring to acquire FIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and machine guns.

The FBI led an undercover operation involving Tarraf and a co-conspirator, Hassan Mohamad Komeiha. Authorities said Tarraf was linked initially to the smuggling of stolen electronics, but later tried to obtain weapons for later shipment to Iran or Syria.

"Keeping missiles, machine guns, and other sensitive U.S. weapons technology from falling into the wrong hands is one of the Justice Department's top priorities," said David Kris, assistant attorney general for national security.

The criminal complaint alleges that Tarraf in July paid an undercover officer roughly $20,000 for shoulder-fired Stinger missiles and Colt M4 machine guns for delivery outside the United States.

Four others were charged with conspiracy to transport stolen goods, passport fraud and other violations.

"These cases show the breadth of criminal activity engaged in by those who oppose us," said U.S. Attorney Michael Levy.

Tarraf was arrested Saturday in Philadelphia.