US authorities arrested Ulrich Davis, a Dutch citizen and former manager of a Netherlands-based freight forwarding company, for allegedly conspiring with others to export goods, including aircraft parts, to Iran, according to an Aug. 8 statement from the office of New Jersey US Attorney Paul Fishman. Prosecutors charged that Ulrich, who was picked up at Newark International Airport Aug. 5, “sent prohibited shipments to Iran, intentionally hiding the nature of sensitive materials to be provided to the Iranian military,” said Fishman. Among charges against Davis, he was accused of supplying C-130 and Boeing 747 aircraft parts to Iran between 2007 and 2008. The Iranian Air Force is known to operate those types as transports and tankers, respectively. “The violation of export laws designed to keep American munitions out of the wrong hands is more than shady business practice; it is a threat to national security,” said Fishman. Davis faces up to 20 years and a $1 million fine if convicted. (Also see New Jersey Online report)
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. assumed leadership of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, succeeding Navy Adm. John Aquilino at a change of command ceremony, urging action amid China's “increasing intrusive and expansionist claims,” on May 3