A Rochester, Michigan woman was sentenced to 6 years for her role in exporting sensitive equipment to Iraq, announced United States Attorney Terrence Berg. Mr. Berg was joined in the announcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Moskowitz, Maurice Aouate, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Dawn Hanna, 34, was found guilty on October 2, 2008, by a federal jury that deliberated for about five days before returning its verdict of guilty on embargo and money laundering charges. The decision concluded a trial that began on Sept. 9 before U.S. District Judge Marianne O. Battani.

The court also entered a money judgement against Hanna for over $1.1 million dollars which represents the profits to her and her business.

Dawn Hanna was employed by Technology Integration Group (TIGS), a Rochester company, as the director of sales and marketing.

The evidence at trial showed that Dawn Hanna conspired with others to obtain and ship the components for a mobile telecommunications network to Iraq. The shipments and attempted shipments came during the reign of Saddam Hussein in the period leading up to the 2003 invasion by coalition forces. The evidence further showed that the telecommunications equipment contained encryption properties, giving it dual-use military capabilities. In addition, Dawn Hanna conspired to launder money in connection with the conspiracy. Dawn Hanna received approximately $9.5 million from their dealings, which was used to pay suppliers, a middle man and family members.

In 1990, an embargo was declared with Iraq, making it illegal to deal in property intended for export to Iraq. The embargo was lifted in May 2003, after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

U.S. Attorney Berg said, "When a US trade embargo is placed against a hostile regime, particularly a dangerous regime like the former government of Saddam Hussein, it is a serious federal crime to violate that trade embargo just to make a quick profit. Today’s sentence illustrates the consequences of such a crime. I applaud the excellent work by IRS, ICE and the FBI in investigating this crime."

ICE Special Agent in Charge Moskowitz said, "For sanctions to be effective they need to be enforced. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that ICE will work with its federal partners to ensure rigorous enforcement of our country’s embargoes.”

IRS Special Agent in Charge Aouate said, "No matter how complex a person tries to make a financial transaction and shelter it from detection, IRS Criminal Investigation, along with our law enforcement partners, have the expertise to unravel their scheme and bring those responsible to justice."

FBI Special Agent in Charge Arena said, “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement and intelligence partners in the investigation of high technology export violations. Individuals who profit from illegally trading with outlaw regimes directly threaten the national and economic security of the United States.”

The case was investigated by special agents from ICE, the IRS, the FBI and the Department of Commerce. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara McQuade and Michael Martin with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Darlene Secord.