TEHRAN, Dec. 22 (MNA) � A Maryland man convicted of allegedly helping Iran illegally to launch its first satellite has been sentenced to eight years in prison.




Fifty-three-year-old Nader Modanlo of Potomac was sentenced on Friday by a federal judge in Maryland. His attorney had recommended he spend less than 27 months in prison, while prosecutors were asking for approximately 16 to 20 years.

Earlier this year, a jury found Modanlo guilty of allegedly violating a U.S. trade embargo against Iran by brokering a deal to help the country launch an Earth-observation satellite from Russia in 2005.

The launch of the Sina-1 satellite marked the practical beginning of Iran's space program. Prosecutors alleged Modanlo was paid $10 million for his assistance.

The judge also ordered Modanlo to forfeit $10 million.

By Mehr News Agency�


 


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