Turkish Citizen Makes Initial Appearance on Charges of Illegally Exporting Goods to Iran

United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad announced today that Resit Tavan, age 40, of Istanbul, Turkey, was arraigned in federal court in Milwaukee on an indictment returned June 27, 2017. Tavan, owner and president of Ramor Dis Ticaret, Ltd. (Ramor), a Turkish company, and Fulya Oguzturk are charged, along with Ramor, with conspiring to defraud the United States and to smuggle American made products to Iran in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Pursuant to IEEPA, American goods may not be shipped to Iran without prior approval and specific licensing by the United States government.

The indictment charges that Tavan, Oguzturk, and Ramor arranged the purchase and acquisition of marine products manufactured in Wisconsin, for shipment to and use by Iran. The indictment alleges that the goods, specifically outboard engines, generators, and propulsion systems, were shipped first to Turkey and then to Iran without the knowledge of the manufacturers, and without the permission and license of the United States. The indictment further alleges that the marine products were intended for use by the Iranian navy.

In addition to the conspiracy charge, 18 U.S.C § 371, the indictment charges three counts of violating IEEPA, 50 U.S.C. § 1705(a); three counts of smuggling, 18 U.S.C. § 554(a); and six counts of money laundering, 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)(A). If convicted, Tavan faces up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine on the conspiracy count; up to 20 years and a $1,000,000 fine on each IEEPA count; up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine on each smuggling count; and up to 20 years and a $500,000 fine on each money laundering count.

Tavan was arrested in Romania in June 2017, on an international arrest warrant issued at the request of the United States. Upon his arrest, the United States requested Tavan’s extradition from Romania. That process has ended with his arraignment today.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Kanter and William Mackie, Trial Attorney, Counterintelligence & Export Control Section, National Security Division, U.S. Department of Justice.

An indictment is merely the formal method of charging an individual and does not constitute inference of his or her guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until such time, if ever, that the government establishes his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For additional information contact: 

Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig (414) 297-1700