Iranian convicted in US in arms smuggling case appeals 5-year prison sentence

Iranian appeals prison sentence for arms smuggling

WILMINGTON, Del. — An Iranian national who pleaded guilty to plotting to ship sensitive U.S. military technology to Iran is appealing his prison sentence.

An attorney for Amir Hossein Ardebili filed a notice in federal court Monday indicating that Ardebili was appealing the 5-year sentence he received earlier this month.

Ardebili could have been sentenced to up to 140 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges that include conspiracy, money laundering, smuggling and arms export control violations.

Ardebili was arrested in the Republic of Georgia in October 2007 and extradited in January 2008 on smuggling and arms export violations.

Federal officials say the case is an example of Iran’s efforts to evade export controls and acquire military technology.