Keystone Cop Security

Iranian steals, sends nuclear software to Iran

Officials claim no risk, unless it " lands in the wrong hands."

“ Federal authorities are accusing a former engineer at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station of illegally taking software codes to Iran and downloading details of control rooms, reactors and designs of the nation's largest nuclear plant. Officers arrested Mohammad "Mo" Alavi, 49, in Los Angeles this month and charged him with one count of violating a trade embargo, which prohibits Americans from exporting goods and services to Iran. ” Hmmm.  Muslim infiltrates Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, and sends software to Iran.  I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong.  There is absolutely nothing to be worried about. “ Authorities say there is no evidence to suggest the use of the software was linked to terrorists or the Iranian government, which has clashed with the U.S. over attempts to develop a nuclear program. Officials with Arizona Public Service Co., which operates Palo Verde, said the software does not pose a security risk because it doesn't control any of the nuclear plant's operating systems and is mostly used to train employees. But they acknowledged that they changed procedures after the incident to prohibit former employees from accessing software when they leave the company. No such procedure was in place when Alavi quit APS in August after working there for 16 years. A Nuclear Regulatory Commission official said Friday that "this incident has not compromised plant security." ” Who was the Arizona Gov. that put this process in place?  That's right, Janet Napolitano, now the head of  the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  The same "diligent" watchdog whose first act was compile a report on the dangers posed by "right wing extremists" who believe in the 10th Amendment. "Has not compromised plant security," indeed.  That's why a federal judge refused bail, noting that he was too great a risk to flee. “ Alavi's most important associations - family, home, business investment, intended employment and future plans - are all with Iran, not the United States. ” Here's the real kicker ... “ Alavi faces up to 21 months in prison if convicted of the charge. One factor in determining any sentence could be whether the software and schematics of Palo Verde landed in the wrong hands.  ” Wow - a whole 21 months! Mohammad Alavi had already returned to Iran, where he invested in a company, and owns a home.  He only returned to the United States to " join his wife, who arrived in the United States two weeks earlier to give birth to their child."  How nice.  Now this future "Barry Alavi" won't have to bother with an ersatz Hawaiian certificate of American birth. Oh yeah. Alavi has a $200,000 retirement fund waiting for him in the U.S. Throw a brick when you've heard enough.  UPDATE “  The CBC News reported last night (4-17-09) a Toronto man (an Iranian immigrant and Canadian citizen for ten years) was arrested for attempting to export high tech pressure transducers (used in the refining of uranium) through Dubai into Iran. The devices were purchased from a manufacturer in Boston.  Thought you should know.  I'm becoming more Islamophobic every day.   ---Tim DB Canadian Man Charged With Allegedly Trying to Export Weapons to Iran ” Tip from LSOG