British Man Jailed In Texas, Accused Of Exporting Missile Parts
By: Big 2 News Staff
Updated: February 28, 2012
EL PASO -- A British businessman is behind bars in west Texas for allegedly scheming to illegally export surface-to-air missile parts to Iran.
Authorities say a federal grand jury in El Paso indicted 65-year-old Christopher Tappin back in 2007 on several charges including conspiracy to illegally export defense articles.
He was extradited to El Paso last Friday night and is schedule for his first court appearance this afternoon.
Tappin allegedly conspired with others to export Hawk Air Defense Missile batteries starting in 2005.
Authorities allege he purchased five batteries from an undercover U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent for 25-thousand dollars back in 2006.
Authorities say a federal grand jury in El Paso indicted 65-year-old Christopher Tappin back in 2007 on several charges including conspiracy to illegally export defense articles.
He was extradited to El Paso last Friday night and is schedule for his first court appearance this afternoon.
Tappin allegedly conspired with others to export Hawk Air Defense Missile batteries starting in 2005.
Authorities allege he purchased five batteries from an undercover U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent for 25-thousand dollars back in 2006.
