Via SignOnSanDiego.com -
BAKERSFIELD – A Bakersfield man acted as a Yemeni spy when he shipped what he believed were secret U.S. military secrets and equipment to Yemen, an indictment filed by the United States Attorney's Office states.
Amen Ahmed Ali, Bakersfield businessman, purchased what he believed were secret documents and military equipment and shipped them to Yemen from 2005 to 2006, according to the indictment filed Thursday.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Faller said Ali was charged previously with buying and transporting military secrets and documents to Yemen, but that the new charges state he was doing so on behalf of the Yemeni government.
The new indictment charges Ali with conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government, unlawful export of defense articles and possession of stolen government property, among other charges.
Ali faces a possible 30 t0 45 years in prison if convicted of all counts.
Ali's attorney, David Torres, disputed the new charges and said they were filed to block Ali's release from custody as he awaits trial.
The U.S. Attorney's Office launched an investigation into Ali after a U.S. Customs officer discovered boxes addressed to Yemen full of bulletproof vests, chemical protective suits and U.S. military equipment in 2003.
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The Yemeni government was quick to deny any official contacts with the bakerfield man.
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