29 March 2000
US Department of State
International Information Programs
Washington File
_________________________________
28 March 2000
(Firm was fined $250,000 for exporting computers and related items) (400) International High Tech Marketing (IHTM), a Miami-based computer exporting company, has been convicted of illegally exporting computers and related items to Libya and Sudan. The United States currently restricts trade with both countries because of their support of international terrorism. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement F. Amanda DeBusk announced the conviction March 27. The firm was ordered to pay a fine of $250,000, according to a Commerce Department news release. Following is the text of the release: (begin text) United States Department of Commerce Bureau of Export Administration For Immediate Release March 27k, 2000 Miami Exporter Pleads Guilty in Illegal Export Case WASHINGTON -- Commerce Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement F. Amanda DeBusk today announced the conviction of a Miami-based computer exporting company on federal charges relating to the illegal export of U.S. origin goods to embargoed destinations and making unlawful misrepresentations on export documents. The firm was ordered to pay a fine of $250,000. International High Tech Marketing (IHTM), a wholly owned subsidiary of CHS Electronics, Inc., entered a guilty plea in Miami today before U.S. District Court Judge James King. The criminal felony information charged the defendant with illegally exporting computers and related items to Libya and Sudan. The United States currently restricts trade with both countries because of their support of international terrorism. In addition, IHTM pleaded guilty to three felony counts charging that the firm under-declared the value of export shipments thereby evading reporting requirements to the U.S. government. The charges involve violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Export Administration Regulations administered by the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Export Administration (BXA), and the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations. In imposing the sentence, Judge King ordered IHTM to pay a criminal fine of $250,000. Today's guilty plea resolves only those criminal charges pertaining to the CHS subsidiary, IHTM. The Department of Commerce, through its Bureau of Export Administration, administers and enforces export controls for reasons of national security, foreign policy, nonproliferation and short supply. BXA's Office of Export Enforcement Miami Field Office investigated this case. (end text)