FAA Contractor SPIES For Iran – Pleads GUILTY!

A former FAA contractor with ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has pleaded guilty to spying on American aviation infrastructure and sending massive amounts of sensitive data to foreign intelligence officials.

At a Glance

  • Abouzar Rahmati, a naturalized U.S. citizen and former FAA contractor, pleaded guilty to acting as an Iranian government agent
  • He previously served as a 1st Lt. in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization
  • Rahmati downloaded and transferred 172-175 GB of sensitive FAA documents to Iranian intelligence officials
  • He faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for August 26, 2025
  • The security breach exposed vulnerabilities in contractor screening processes for sensitive government positions

Iranian Military Officer Infiltrates FAA

Abouzar Rahmati, a naturalized American citizen living in Great Falls, Virginia, has admitted to working as an agent of the Iranian government while employed as a Federal Aviation Administration contractor. Court documents reveal Rahmati previously served as a 1st Lieutenant in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – an organization designated as a terrorist group by the United States – but concealed this military background to secure federal contracting positions giving him access to sensitive information about U.S. aviation infrastructure.

According to the Department of Justice, Rahmati initiated contact with Iranian intelligence in August 2017 through a former colleague who had become a senior Iranian government official. He subsequently traveled to Iran in December 2017, meeting with intelligence operatives and government officials to coordinate his espionage activities. Despite his position of trust within U.S. aviation systems, Rahmati systematically gathered information for transmission to Iran.

Massive Data Theft Exposes Critical Infrastructure

The scale of Rahmati’s espionage is staggering. Justice Department officials confirmed he downloaded between 172-175 gigabytes of sensitive FAA documents, which he stored on removable media and physically transported to Iran during an April 2022 visit. The stolen information included details about U.S. airports, air traffic control towers, and aviation sector vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited by hostile actors with intentions to target American infrastructure.

Beyond aviation information, Rahmati also provided Iranian officials with both open-source and non-public materials about the U.S. solar energy industry. This dual focus demonstrates Iran’s strategic interest in both transportation infrastructure and energy systems. Documents show Rahmati transmitted this information to his brother in Iran, who then forwarded it to intelligence officials, creating a chain of communication designed to obscure his direct involvement.

Education Credentials Facilitated Security Breach

Part of what made Rahmati’s infiltration possible was his educational background. After earning degrees from the University of Tehran, he obtained both a master’s and Ph.D. from an American university. These credentials, combined with his concealment of IRGC ties, allowed him to apply for and receive positions with U.S. government contractors that provided access to sensitive information. His case highlights critical vulnerabilities in vetting procedures for foreign nationals working in sensitive positions.

The FBI is continuing to investigate the case with assistance from the FAA. Rahmati faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for acting as a foreign agent and an additional 5 years for conspiracy. His sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2025. The prosecution involves multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the National Security Division, highlighting the seriousness with which federal authorities view this breach of national security.

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