Yi-Lan Chen, 40, pleaded guilty Thursday, May 13, to conspiring to violate the U.S. embargo against Iran and attempting to export prohibited goods that have dual civilian and military uses. Chen, a citizen of Taiwan who used the name "Kevin Chen," also entered guilty pleas on behalf of his Landstar Tech Co.
The maximum prison term for each count is 20 years, but Chen will likely receive a much lighter sentence because he is cooperating with an ongoing investigation into banned exports to Iran. U.S. District Judge Adalberto Jordan set sentencing for July 30. Chen also faces more than $2 million in fines. Chen was arrested in February in Guam in the midst of a transaction to ship to Iran some 8,500 glass-to-metal seals and 120 military-grade connectors. (Source: Curt Anderson, AP, May 13, 2010).