Sugar Land Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Role in Firearms Smuggling Conspiracy to Iraq

HOUSTON — A federal judge has sentenced an Iraqi national residing in Texas to more than five years in federal prison following his conviction for participating in a conspiracy involving the illegal export of firearms to Iraq.

Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck announced that Hassan Al Gharawi, 54, of Sugar Land, Texas, was sentenced after a federal jury previously found him guilty of conspiracy to violate United States export control laws.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ordered Gharawi to serve 63 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. The court also imposed a $5,000 fine.

According to evidence presented during a three-day federal trial, prosecutors alleged that between November 2020 and June 2021, Gharawi conspired with others to acquire, conceal, transport, and prepare firearms for illegal shipment overseas.

Federal authorities stated the conspiracy involved hiding firearms within vehicle parts destined for Iraq in an effort to evade U.S. export regulations and detection by law enforcement authorities.

Trial evidence showed Gharawi received two separate deliveries during 2020 and 2021 totaling approximately 77 firearms, which investigators said were stored at his residence.

According to testimony presented at trial, law enforcement officers observed Gharawi on June 10, 2021, loading firearms into a vehicle before transporting them to a storage facility connected to the investigation.

Federal prosecutors also introduced photographs depicting more than 500 firearms associated with the broader trafficking scheme. Jurors additionally heard recorded conversations in which investigators alleged Gharawi discussed aspects of the firearms trafficking operation.

The defense argued that Gharawi acted under duress and pressure from individuals connected to the trafficking network operating in Iraq. Following approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury rejected those claims and returned a guilty verdict on the conspiracy charge.

Federal authorities continue warning that illegal firearms export schemes remain a significant national security concern due to the potential for weapons to be diverted to criminal organizations, insurgent groups, extremist networks, or other unauthorized recipients operating outside the United States.

The case highlights the extensive federal regulations governing the export of firearms, firearm components, ammunition, and defense-related articles from the United States. Violations of export control laws can carry substantial criminal penalties due to the potential international security implications associated with unlawful weapons transfers.

Federal investigators continue targeting international firearms trafficking networks that attempt to move weapons across borders through concealed shipments, fraudulent export declarations, smuggling operations, and transnational criminal organizations.

The FBI led the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter, John Pearson, and Steven Schammel prosecuted the case.

Gharawi will remain in federal custody pending transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility where he will serve his sentence.

Because Gharawi has been convicted and sentenced, the allegations presented during trial have resulted in a federal conviction. The sentence was imposed by the court following the jury’s guilty verdict.

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