Qioptiq S.a.r.l. (“Qioptiq”) has settled 163 violations of the Arms Control Export Act (“AECA”) and its implementing regulations, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”), with the United States Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (“DDTC”). As part of the settlement, Qioptiq is to pay $25 million dollars in civil penalties.

DDTC has charged Qioptiq with violating ITAR regulations by engaging in the unauthorized exportation of ITAR controlled technical data. In this case the technical data related to night vision technology.

This technology was exported without authorization to countries such as Iran, Russia, and the People’s Republic of China.

For more information on the charges please click the following link: Qioptiq S.a.r.l. Proposed Charging Letter.

For more information on the settlement please click the following link: Qioptiq S.a.r.l. Order.

If you feel that you may have violated any ITAR regulations or seek assistance in complying with those regulations please contact the author at 202-329-5652 or by email at ferrari@mcnabbassociates.com

The author of this blog is Erich C. Ferrari, an attorney in Washington, DC, who specializes in Sanctions Law and White Collar Criminal Defense. If you have any questions please email him at ferrari@mcnabbassociates.com