In a case that highlights the growing concerns around espionage and national security within the U.S., Abouzar Rahmati, a former contractor for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has been indicted on charges of secretly working as an agent for the Iranian government. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Rahmati used his position to gather sensitive information and passed it to Iranian officials over several years, marking a significant betrayal of the trust placed in individuals with access to critical infrastructure information.
The Allegations Against Abouzar Rahmati
Abouzar Rahmati, a 42-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Iran, faces serious accusations that he conspired with the Iranian government and intelligence operatives to carry out espionage activities from December 2017 until June 2024. The indictment against him paints a picture of calculated deception and strategic infiltration.
Before securing a job as a contractor with the FAA, Rahmati had served as a First Lieutenant in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) between 2009 and 2010. The IRGC, a powerful military organization within Iran, has often been accused by international authorities of engaging in clandestine intelligence operations abroad. However, Rahmati allegedly concealed his IRGC background when applying for a U.S. government contracting position, a move that allowed him to bypass scrutiny and gain access to sensitive areas of U.S. national infrastructure.
According to the DOJ, Rahmati’s primary mission after becoming an FAA contractor was to obtain information about both the U.S. solar energy industry and the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS), a critical component of American aviation infrastructure. The NAS encompasses the entire U.S. air traffic control system and the complex network of power and electrical systems that keep the country’s aviation running smoothly.
Espionage in Action: Downloading Sensitive FAA Documents
The DOJ revealed that Rahmati began his espionage activities in earnest after he secured a position with a company that had a contract with the FAA. His job involved working on the power and electrical architecture of the NAS, which gave him access to highly sensitive, non-public information related to the nation’s airspace and electrical grid.
In April 2022, Rahmati is accused of downloading sensitive documents related to the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS). The nature of these documents, according to the DOJ, was such that even a person with no prior knowledge of the NAS could gain a reasonable understanding of its structure and functionality. He then took these materials with him to Iran, where it is believed they were shared with Iranian officials.
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The DOJ also pointed out that Rahmati used a cover story to justify his actions. He reportedly claimed to be conducting academic research, which he said necessitated discussions with colleagues. Under this guise, Rahmati was able to gather additional information, not just about the FAA, but also about the U.S. solar energy sector.
Collaboration with Iranian Officials
The indictment further alleges that Rahmati passed sensitive data on solar panels, solar energy infrastructure, and the FAA to an Iranian government official. In some instances, he used his brother as a go-between, sending files to him, knowing that they would eventually end up in the hands of Iranian intelligence.
This revelation raises the stakes of the case considerably, as the implications go beyond simple data theft. By sharing information about essential U.S. infrastructure systems, Rahmati may have jeopardized the security of the nation’s air traffic and energy sectors, both of which are crucial for the country’s efficient operation.
FBI’s Response: A National Security Threat
In response to the indictment, Robert Wells, the Executive Assistant Director of the FBI’s National Security Branch, expressed strong condemnation of Rahmati’s actions. Wells stated that this indictment describes the reprehensible actions of an individual who allegedly betrayed his country by transferring sensitive U.S. information to a foreign power. He emphasized that such activities not only threaten national security but also put American jobs and industries at risk.
The FBI and DOJ have made it clear that they view Rahmati’s alleged betrayal as a significant breach, particularly given the crucial nature of the information involved. As the case moves forward, it will likely prompt renewed discussions about the vetting process for government contractors, especially those with access to highly sensitive national security information.
The indictment of Abouzar Rahmati highlights the persistent threat of espionage in today’s interconnected world. Infiltrating the sensitive infrastructure of a country like the United States poses serious risks to national security, and Rahmati’s case is a reminder of the importance of vigilant oversight in safeguarding critical information. As investigations continue, it is clear that the stakes of this alleged betrayal could have far-reaching consequences for both the aviation and energy sectors in the U.S.
