SUGAR LAND, Texas – Hassan Al Gharawi, a 54-year-old Iraqi national, was convicted Thursday of conspiring to violate U.S. gun export laws, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced.
After a three-day trial, the jury deliberated about two hours before finding him guilty on one count.
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Prosecutors say that between roughly November 2020 and June 2021, Al Gharawi worked with others to stockpile, hide and move firearms inside vehicle parts destined for Iraq.
During the trial the jury heard that he received two shipments in 2020 and 2021 totaling about 77 guns, which he stored at his home. On June 10, 2021, authorities watched him load firearms into his vehicle and drive them to a storage unit. Jurors also saw photos of more than 500 firearms and listened to recordings of Al Gharawi discussing the trafficking plan.
The defense argued he acted under duress from traffickers in Iraq, but the jury rejected that defense after weighing the evidence and found him guilty.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen presided and set sentencing for Jan. 21, 2026; Al Gharawi faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $1 million fine.
He had been released on bond previously but was taken into custody after the conviction and will remain detained pending sentencing.