FAA Contractor Admits Guilt in Espionage Case Linked to Iran, Sharing Sensitive Information

FAA Contractor Admits Guilt in Espionage Case Linked to Iran, Sharing Sensitive Information

A naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Great Falls, Virginia, has pleaded guilty to collaborating with Iranian government and intelligence officials while working as a contractor for the Federal Aviation Administration. This incident occurred between 2017 and 2024.

The Department of Justice announced that 42-year-old Abouzar Rahmati entered a guilty plea in federal court. He was convicted of conspiring to act and serving as an agent of the Iranian government on U.S. soil without notifying the Attorney General as required by law.

Prior to his contracting work, Rahmati served as a first lieutenant in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is recognized by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization. His past affiliation raises serious concerns about his intent and actions within the U.S. aviation sector.

Court documents reveal that Rahmati maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and officials from at least December 2017 until June 2024. His interactions included both in-person meetings in Iran and corresponding through a cover story designed to disguise his activities.

Details of Rahmati’s Espionage Activities

During his time as an FAA contractor, Rahmati leveraged his position to access sensitive, non-public information about the U.S. aviation industry. Court records show he obtained and disseminated both open-source and confidential materials, particularly concerning the solar energy sector, to Iranian intelligence officials.

In August 2017, Rahmati initiated his offer of services to Iran, facilitating communication through a former colleague who had previously held a high-ranking position within the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security.

Four months after this initial outreach, he traveled to Iran, where he met with intelligence operatives and agreed to gather intelligence on the U.S. solar industry. Upon his return to the U.S. in early 2018, Rahmati began collecting private and open-source information to provide to Iranian officials.

Acquisition and Transfer of Sensitive Data

While employed by the FAA, Rahmati managed to download over 175 gigabytes of files containing sensitive documents related to the National Aerospace System and airport operations. Such unauthorized access to this information poses significant risks to national security.

In April 2022, Rahmati carried the files on removable media back to Iran, transferring this data to government authorities within the country. This transaction highlights the intricate methods employed by those engaged in espionage.

Additionally, Rahmati attempted to relay further sensitive information, which included data regarding solar energy, FAA operations, U.S. airports, and air traffic control towers. He utilized his brother in Iran to facilitate this transfer, allowing him to relay information directly to Iranian intelligence officials.

Legal Consequences Awaiting Rahmati

Rahmati is scheduled for sentencing on August 26. He faces serious penalties, including up to ten years in prison for acting as an agent of a foreign government without authorization and a potential maximum of five years for conspiracy. The implications of his actions underscore the critical importance of safeguarding sensitive government information.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by national security, particularly from individuals with connections to foreign entities. It also raises vital questions about the effectiveness of current systems in place to monitor and manage the actions of contractors within key governmental positions.

Implications for National Security and Future Measures

The espionage committed by Rahmati highlights serious vulnerabilities in the U.S. infrastructure, particularly within sectors that govern aviation and energy. As threats from foreign intelligence agencies continue to evolve, so must the measures to protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure.

Moving forward, it may be essential for government agencies to enhance their vetting processes for contractors, ensuring that individuals with potential connections to hostile foreign governments do not gain access to sensitive data. This incident may prompt a review of current policies and procedures related to federal contracts, particularly those related to national security.

Furthermore, this situation demands increased awareness and training for employees at all levels regarding the signs of espionage and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. Robust training programs could serve as a first line of defense against similar threats in the future.

The Rahmati case underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to secure critical information against espionage. As the investigation proceeds and new information emerges, the implications of this case will likely resonate throughout various sectors, prompting necessary adjustments in policy and security protocols.

Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.