published January 4, 2011 at 5:03 p.m., updated January 4, 2011 at 5:07 p.m.
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2011/jan/04/bc-or-money-laundering-iran/?business&texas
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Texas couple accused of violating the U.S. embargo against Iran in a money laundering and tax fraud scheme have pleaded not guilty.
Dr. Hossein Lahiji (la-hee-zhee) and Najmeh (nahj-meh) Vahid (vah-heed) appeared Tuesday in federal court in Portland, headquarters of a charity that prosecutors say was the conduit for more than $1.8 million disguised as contributions. Prosecutors say the couple retained control of the money, some of it going into investments, and some of it split with an ayatollah.
They were indicted in December along with an Iranian cousin of the foundation's former president.
Lahiji, a urologist, and Vahid, a lawyer, are from McAllen. They were released after the brief hearing Tuesday.