Iran Busted in Attempt to Circumvent Sanctions: foiled attempt to export 240kg of dual-use metal

[JCMach1]

A man who mediated to sell a dual-use strategic commodity has been referred to court by the Dubai Public Prosecution.Judge Esam Eisa Al Humaidan, Attorney General, said the National Security Department of Dubai Police foiled the attempt to exchange and export 240kg of zirconium, a metal used in the nuclear power industry. The metal was to be imported for agents in the UAE with the purpose of re-exporting it…

The UAE issued Federal Law No. 12 for 2007 regarding the commodities that are subject to import and export control. This case is one of the most important to be considered under this law, in line with the UAE’s efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

“We have conducted a thorough probe to guarantee the accurate implementation of the law, ” said Eisa Al Humaidan Dubai Attorney General

Fast Facts

What is zirconium

Zirconium is a corrosion resistant metal that is used in high performance pumps and valves. Since it also does not easily absorb neutrons, zirconium is widely used in nuclear reactors. The nuclear power industry uses nearly 90% of the zirconium produced each year, which must be nearly free of hafnium. Zirconium is also used as an alloying agent in steel. MORE

Sources in the UAE revealed to THESYNDROME.COM that the country in question for re-export was indeed, Iran... http://thesyndrome.com/2008/03/13/iran-busted-in-attempt-to-circumvent-sanctions-police-foil-attempt-to-export-240kg-of-dual-use-metal/


I am not usually an alarmist on this issue. However, this was a pretty serious breech. It will be interesting to see if the Neocons seize this story for their Iran narrative.




On edit: Story has been picked-up by AP now http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL12388525

..."A suspect of an Arab nationality had tried to facilitate the sale of zirconium by importing it for agents in the country for re-export purposes," WAM said.

Dubai, one of seven members of the U.S.-allied UAE federation, is a regional trade hub with a vibrant re-export trade industry mainly to Gulf neighbours including Iran.

The UAE brought in a law in August to control the export of military equipment or dual-use items, following U.S. calls for measures to stop sensitive goods reaching Iran.

Dubai is situated across a short stretch of water from the Islamic Republic which is locked in a stand-off with the West over its nuclear programme. The United States accuses Iran of planning to build bombs but Tehran says it is aimed at generating electricity...

[lovuian]

1. this is the story that will be broadcast everywhere

Look the Zirconium it kinda sounds like alluminum tubes to me

the UAE if they have done this sold Iran out... so next step is War with iran and WWIII now that Fallon is gone

nice package tied up with a bow

[DCKit]

2. I agree with ^. It smells like neocon desperation.

Couldn't they at least have tried to manufacture some Iranian documentation to go along with the fantasy?