The Department of Commerce accused China’s largest wire and cable manufacturer, Far East Cable, of violating export controls aimed at preventing the shipment of equipment to Iran.
In a charging letter (file) issued July 29, the department said that Far East Cable committed 18 violations of U.S. export controls between 2014 and 2016. During that time, the department alleged Far East Cable entered an agreement to supply equipment from China’s ZTE to Iranian companies, effectively circumventing export restrictions against ZTE.
“As alleged, Far East Cable acted as a cutout for ZTE, facilitating ZTE shipments to Iran at the very time ZTE knew it was under investigation for the exact same conduct” said Office of Export Enforcement Director John Sonderman in an Aug. 8 statement (pdf)….