February 19, 2014 - 16:49 AMT
Germany arrests man suspected of Iran smuggling

German authorities say they have arrested a German-Iranian man suspected of supplying Iran with components for use in its missile program, the Associated Press reports.

Federal prosecutors said Wednesday, Feb 19, that Dr. Ali Reza B., whose last name wasn't given in accordance with German privacy laws, is accused of providing Iran with equipment worth nearly 230,000 euros ($315,000) in 12 deliveries from 2011 to 2013.

He's accused of providing so-called dual-use items that have civilian but also military uses, like vacuum pumps and valves. The items were manufactured in Germany and other countries.

Prosecutors allege the suspect delivered the items via a company in an unidentified "neighboring Arab country" of Iran to avoid embargo restrictions.

Ali Reza B. was arrested Tuesday in the Bonn area and ordered held by a judge as the investigation continues.