New York-Based Iranian Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Migrants With Terror Links, Child Exploitation Case

A New York-based Iranian man pleaded guilty in federal court regarding the unlawful smuggling of aliens into the United States and receiving child s----- abuse material (CSAM). According to a press release by the Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs, the defendant facilitated entry into the United States by other Iranian nationals, including an individual associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

An Iranian national, identified as Sharon Gohari, pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn on May 12. Gohari is a naturalized United States citizen who resided alternately in Iran and Nassau County, New York. He received payments from Iranian nationals and others seeking to enter the United States unlawfully in exchange for arranging and facilitating their entry.

At least one individual whom Gohari aided had associations with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the United States Department of State has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

During the investigation by law enforcement into Gohari’s illegal activities, authorities discovered that he had received and stored multiple videos on his phone depicting the r--- of children, as well as hundreds of photos and videos showing the stalking and superstitious recording of women throughout New York City, according to the press release.

The proceedings on May 12 were held before the United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly. “As this case illustrates, we cannot protect our national security without a secure border,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.

“Gohari made a business of smuggling aliens into the United States, at least one of whom had ties to the IRGC, a designated foreign terrorist organization. I applaud the investigators and prosecutors who made possible today’s plea, taking this defendant off our streets,” he added.

“The defendant exploited and endangered vulnerable individuals for profit, over and over again,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nicella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “In doing so, he also put our national secretary at risk and circumvented the vital procedures that are in place to vet those entering our country. Our office will continue to pursue the transnational criminal schemes operating here in the US.”

Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division said, “The defendant admits to helping people illegally enter the United States, including someone associated with Iran’s IRGC, which endangers our country’s national security.”

“Sharon Gohari threatened our national security by selling illegal entry into the United States, including a client with ties to a designated terrorist organisation. With our federal and local law enforcement partners, the FBI is committed to holding accountable criminals seeking to exploit our country’s border and our citizens,” said Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. of the FBI New York field office.

“Anyone who seeks to profit through the abuse and exploitation of other people, especially children. They will be held fully accountable,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S Tisch.