MOBILE, Ala., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- A Belgian arms dealer known as the "Field Marshall" has admitted he's guilty of breaking U.S. conspiracy laws.
Jacques Monsieur, a Belgian national living in France, pleaded guilty Monday in Mobile, Ala., to trying to sell F-5 jet engines customers he thought were Iranian arms buyers, but who were actually undercover U.S. agents, U.S. official said in a statement.
Maria Murphy, chief of the criminal division for the U.S. attorney's office, told WKRG-TV, Mobile, that Monsieur's arrest was a proud moment for her.
"They did a terrific job of putting a case together on someone who has avoided prosecution for a long time," she said. "It's a significant case for Mobile. It's a significant case for this country. Along with our servicemen and women, the technology is one of the most significant assets that protects those people in the war on terror."
The "Field Marshall," long-sought by U.S. officials, was charged with conspiracy, money laundering, smuggling and of violating the Arms Export Control and the International Emergency Economic Powers acts.
An indicted alleged accomplice, Iranian national Dara Fotouhi, remains at large, officials said.
