Pakistani national guilty of illegally exporting nuclear materials to U.S. enemies

Man faces $250,000 fine and up to five years in prison

A 46-year-old Silver Spring man pleaded guilty Friday to illegally transporting nuclear materials to U.S. enemies in Pakistan, the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Prosecutors said Nadeem Akhtar, a Pakistani national and lawful U.S. resident, owned Computer Communication USA, which he used to obtain various nuclear materials, including radiation detection devices, and other mechanical items worth more than $400,000 for export to restricted entities in Pakistan from 2005 through 2010.

The organizations receiving the goods included those "of concern to the U.S. government as acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Akhtar faces a maximum of five years in prison at his sentencing, set for Jan. 6, and a fine of up to $250,000.

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