Millionaire Arms Dealer Must Pay Up or Face Prison
Alexander George, 80, from Long Ashton, Bristol, is fighting to avoid jail after making over £5 million shipping military aircraft parts to Iran. The parts included components for MiG 29 and US F4 Phantom jets—strictly banned under Weapons of Mass Destruction controls.
Illegal Arms Route Through Malaysia and Dubai
George masterminded the scheme by enlisting businesses to smuggle parts through Malaysia and Dubai before reaching Iran. Despite strict UK licensing laws, he flouted embargoes and international regulations for profit.
At a Southwark Crown Court hearing in June 2022, George—who was absent due to illness—was ordered to pay £700,000 within three months. Fail to pay, and he faces a three-month prison sentence, with the debt still owed upon release.
HMRC Cracks Down on Arms Smuggling
“George profited from selling prohibited items that ended up in Iran,” said Nicola Dunk, Assistant Director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service. “He didn’t care what they were used for, and his attempts to undermine strict trade embargoes and internationally agreed-upon controls were cynical. Once someone is convicted, we will look to reclaim money obtained through illegal means.”
Investigations and Denials
- George purchased the aircraft parts in the US.
- He shipped them to companies he controlled in Malaysia and Dubai.
- From there, the parts were illegally sent to Iran.
Worried about an investigation, George even checked wanted lists from the FBI, CIA, and Interpol. When questioned at Heathrow by HMRC officers in 2010, he denied involvement, claiming he only sold construction equipment like wheelbarrows and gloves.
He was convicted between February 2010 and March 2016 for knowingly exporting controlled military goods. In November 2018, the Old Bailey sentenced him to two and a half years in prison.
Accomplices Also Sentenced
At Southwark Crown Court, Paul and Iris Attwater were found guilty of the same offence. Both received six-month suspended sentences in October 2018.
