2 Iranians Indicted in Plot to Export Radios

Two Iranian citizens were indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury for allegedly attempting to ship military radios and components worth nearly $4 million to their homeland in violation of trade restrictions against the regime of the Ayatollah Khomeini.

Hormoz Hezar, 51, of Beverly Hills and Khosrow Shakib, 43, of Encino were scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate today. Hezar was indicted on charges that he violated the Arms Export Control Act enacted by Congress after the American Embassy hostage crisis in Iran in 1980.

Both men also were charged with conspiracy.

Prison Term, Fine

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If convicted, Hezar also would face another two years and a $100,000 fine for violating the Arms Export Control Act.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Jeffrey Modisett said Shakib is in custody and Hezar is being sought.

The two men allegedly contracted for the equipment in 1983 from a Los Angeles firm, Aero Electronics. The owner of the firm, Steven Sannett, 33, of Hidden Hills, and two employees pleaded guilty in August to related charges and face sentencing Monday.

Modisett said only 50 of the 2,000 military radios contracted for in 1983 actually were delivered to Iran through Hezar’s West German company.