UQ researcher accused of sending military equipment to Iran

A University of Queensland researcher on an “extraordinary” scholarship could be forced to face a US judge over allegations he exported military grade equipment to Iran.

Reza Debashi Kivi today applied for bail but it was formally denied as the US government seeks to extradite the Iranian citizen over eight charges.

The 38-year-old from Redbank Plains is accused of sending equipment, believed to be power amplifiers which can be used as parts for radar and tracking purposes to find missiles and planes, to the Iranian government in 2008.

It’s understood Kivi purchased the equipment from America while he was still in Iran, before sending it to his home country.

The exportation of that equipment without a licence is illegal under US law.

Today his lawyer told the court Kivi has been in Australia for two years on a scholarship at the university of Queensland studying for his PhD.

In particular, he’s helping to create a mobile testing device for skin cancer.

When denying bail at the Brisbane Arrest Court, the magistrate ruled she couldn’t release him as it would be going against Australia’s treaty agreement with the US.

Kivi will stay behind bars until his extradition hearing is heard next month.

If he’s found guilty he could face more than 20 years behind bars.