Germany charges 2 with selling Iran drone motors

Berlin, Feb 20 (AP) German prosecutors have charged two men with smuggling dozens of German-made engines to Iran for use in the production of drone aircraft. Federal prosecutors' spokesman Marcus Koehler said today that Iman J. L, a 30-year-old German-Iranian dual national, and Iranian Davood A., 54, have both been charged with violating German export laws. The men, whose last names were not given in accordance with privacy laws, face two to 15 years in prison if convicted. J.L is accused of delivering 61 motors in several shipments between 2008 and 2009 to Iran, using false customs declarations. A. Is accused of reselling at least some of the motors to an unidentified buyer in Iran. Prosecutors say the motors are suitable to be used in the Ababil III surveillance and attack drone. (AP) PY 02201730 NNNN