US arrests Pakistani-Canadian for violating export laws, allegedly supplying military tech

US authorities have detained a Pakistani-Canadian citizen for allegedly violating US export control regulations by supplying sensitive technology to organisations linked to Pakistan's military and arms programs.

The indictment stated that 67-year-old Mohammad Jawaid Aziz, also known as Jawaid Aziz Siddiqui or Jay Siddiqui, was arrested upon his arrival in the US from Canada; however, he was not transferred to the District of Minnesota.

The charges allege that Siddiqui ran an illegal procurement operation through his Canadian firm, Diversified Technology Services, between 2003 and 2019.

This operation allegedly sourced US-origin products for restricted Pakistani organisations linked to the country’s nuclear, missile, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs.

US authorities claimed that Siddiqui and his associates concealed the true end users of the products he sold and he used to route the shipment through a third country.

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He allegedly procured certain items prohibited under US export laws and the Commerce Control List.

Siddiqui was accused of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Export Control Reform Act, offenses that could lead to a five-year prison sentence.

Additional charges in the case could result in up to 20 years in prison. However, his conviction will ultimately be determined by a federal judge under US legal guidelines.

The US Justice Department announced Siddiqui's arrest but declined to reveal the names of the Pakistani companies he allegedly worked with, fueling speculation about the investigation and its possible consequences.