83_FR_4920 83 FR 4897 - Order Temporarily Denying Export Privileges

83 FR 4897 - Order Temporarily Denying Export Privileges

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of Industry and Security

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 23 (February 2, 2018)

Page Range4897-4899
FR Document2018-02067

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 23 (Friday, February 2, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 23 (Friday, February 2, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4897-4899]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02067]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of Industry and Security


Order Temporarily Denying Export Privileges

Gulnihal Yegane, Merkez Mah. Hasat Sok. No: 52/6, Sisli, Istanbul, 
Turkey; and Yanibosna Merkez Mah., Degirmenbah[ccedil]e Cad. No. 11, 
Airport Hill Sitesi Blok D.6, Bah[ccedil]elievler, Istanbul, Turkey; 
and Egs Bloklari B-1 Blok K.1 No: 114, Yesilkoy Bakirkoy, Istanbul, 
Turkey; and Huzur mah, Ayazaga Oyak sitesi, 9. Blok, No: 19, Sisli, 
Istanbul, Turkey; and Turgut Reis Mh. Glyimkent Kath Is Merk., K:4 
D:4412, Esenler/Istanbul, Turkey; and Onucreis Mah. Giyimkent 
Sitesi, 3. Sokak No: 118, Esenler/Istanbul, Turkey
Trigron Lojistik Kargo Limited Sirketi, Yanibosna Merkez Mah., 
Degirmenbah[ccedil]e Cad. No. 11, Airport Hill Sitesi Blok D.6, 
Bah[ccedil]elievler, Istanbul, Turkey; Ufuk Avia Lojistik Limited 
Sirketi, Merkez Mah. Hasat Sok., No: 52/6, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey; 
RA Havacilik Lojistik Ve Tasimacilik Ticaret Limited Sirketi, 
Yesilce Mah. Dalgic SK., 3/101 Kagithane, Istanbul, Turkey 34000, 
Respondents.

    Pursuant to Section 766.24 of the Export Administration Regulations 
(the ``Regulations'' or ``EAR''),\1\ the Bureau of Industry and 
Security (``BIS''), U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Office of 
Export Enforcement (``OEE''), has requested the issuance of an Order 
temporarily denying, for a period of 180 days, the export privileges 
under the Regulations of: Gulnihal Yegane, Trigron Lojistik Kargo 
Limited Sirketi (``Trigron Lojistik Kargo'' or ``Trigron''), Ufuk Avia 
Lojistik Limited Sirketi (``Ufuk Avia Lojistik''), and RA Havacilik 
Lojistik Ve Tasimacilik Ticaret Limited Sirketi (``RA Havacilik''). 
OEE's request and related information indicates that these parties are 
located in Turkey, at the respective addresses listed on the caption 
page of this order and on page 8, infra, and that Ms. Yegane owns or 
controls or is otherwise affiliated with Trigron Lojistik Kargo and the 
other companies at issue.
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    \1\ The EAR are currently codified at 15 CFR parts 730-774 
(2017). The EAR issued under the Export Administration Act of 1979, 
as amended 50 U.S.C. 4601-4623 (Supp. III 2015) (available at http://uscode.house.gov) (``EAA'' or the ``Act''). Since August 21, 2001, 
the Act has been in lapse and the President, through Executive Order 
13222 of August 17, 2001 (3 CFR, 2001 Comp. 783 (2002)), which has 
been extended by successive Presidential Notices, the most recent 
being that of August 15, 2017 (82 FR 39,005 (Aug. 16, 2017)), has 
continued the Regulations in effect under the International 
Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701, et seq. (2006 & Supp. 
IV 2010)).
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    Pursuant to Section 766.24, BIS may issue an order temporarily 
denying a respondent's export privileges upon a showing that the order 
is necessary in the public interest to prevent an ``imminent 
violation'' of the Regulations. 15 CFR 766.24(b)(1) and 766.24(d). ``A 
violation may be `imminent' either in time or degree of likelihood.'' 
15 CFR 766.24(b)(3). BIS may show ``either that a violation is about to 
occur, or that the general circumstances of the matter under 
investigation or case under criminal or administrative charges 
demonstrate a likelihood of future violations.'' Id. As to the 
likelihood of future violations, BIS may show that the violation under 
investigation or charge ``is significant, deliberate, covert and/or 
likely to occur again, rather than technical or negligent[.]'' Id. A 
``[l]ack of information establishing the precise time a violation may 
occur does not preclude a finding that a violation is imminent, so long 
as there is sufficient reason to believe the likelihood of a 
violation.'' Id.
    As referenced in OEE's request, Gulnihal Yegane was placed on BIS's 
Entity List, Supplement No. 4 to Part 744 of the Regulations, on 
December 12, 2013 (see 78 FR 75,463), for engaging in activities 
contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the 
United States. See 15 CFR 744.11. Ms. Yegane was, namely, one of 19 
persons engaged in the development and operation of a procurement 
scheme that directly supported the operation of Iranian airline Mahan 
Airways. See 78 FR 75,463 (Dec. 12, 2013). Mahan Airways has been on 
BIS's Denied Persons List since March 2008, due to numerous 
significant, continuing, deliberate, and covert violations of the 
Regulations.\2\ In addition, since October 2011, it has been designated 
as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (``SDGT'') by the Treasury 
Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (``OFAC'') pursuant to 
Executive Order 13224 for providing financial, material and 
technological support to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods 
Force (IRGC-QF). See 77 FR 64,427 (October 18, 2011).
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    \2\ Mahan Airways' status as a denied person was most recently 
renewed by BIS through a temporary denial order issued on December 
20, 2017. See 82 FR 61,745 (Dec. 29, 2017). The December 20, 2017 
renewal order summarizes the initial TDO issued against Mahan in 
March 2008, and the other renewal orders prior to December 20, 2017. 
See id.
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    As discussed in the temporary denial renewal orders issued by BIS 
against Mahan Airways in July 2013, and February 2014, OEE obtained 
evidence during 2013 indicating that Mahan Airways had been involved in 
efforts to unlawfully obtain a U.S.-origin GE CF6-50C2 aircraft engine 
via transshipment through Turkey. The evidence indicated that Mahan 
sought to obtain this U.S.-origin engine through Pioneer Logistics 
Havacilik Turizm Yonetim Danismanlik (``Pioneer Logistics''), a Turkish 
company involved in procuring and supplying aircraft parts, and its 
director/operator, Gulnihal Yegane. See Mahan Airways, et al., TDO 
Renewal Order dated January 24, 2014, (79 FR 4871 (Jan. 30, 2014)); 
Mahan Airways, et al., TDO Renewal Order dated July 31, 2013 (78 FR 
48,138 (Aug. 72013)).\3\
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    \3\ OFAC subsequently designated Pioneer Logistics as a SDGT, in 
doing so describing Pioneer Logistics as a key Mahan Airways front 
company that served as an intermediary for Mahan Airways, acting for 
or on behalf of Mahan by purchasing and receiving aviation-related 
materials. OFAC also stated that in an effort to help Mahan evade 
U.S. Government sanctions, Pioneer Logistics shipped aircraft parts 
to another U.S.-designated Mahan front company for onward delivery 
to Mahan, and that Mahan used Pioneer Logistics as a cutout for the 
repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and as a cutout to evade 
sanctions in order to purchase aircraft tires for its aircraft. See 
OFAC Press Release dated Aug. 29, 2014, copy at https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2618.aspx; 79 
FR 55072 (Sept. 15, 2014)).

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[[Page 4898]]

    Ms. Yegane remains on the Entity List, and as a result of that 
listing, no item subject to the Regulations may be exported, 
reexported, or transferred (in-country) to her without prior license 
authorization from BIS. See 15 CFR 744.11; Supp No. 4 to 15 CFR part 
744. Moreover, BIS's review policy regarding such applications 
involving Ms. Yegane is a presumption of denial. Id.
    In its request, OEE has presented evidence indicating that Ms. 
Yegane and the other respondents are engaged in procurement activities 
relating to U.S.-origin aircraft engines and parts for or on behalf of 
one or more Iranian airlines, operating as transaction parties and/or 
facilitating transactions that are structured to evade the Regulations 
(as well as the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations 
(``ITSR''), 31 CFR part 560, administered by OFAC) \4\ by routing 
unlicensed exports or reexports through Turkey to Iran.
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    \4\ Pursuant to Section 746.7(e) of the EAR, 15 CFR 746.7(e), no 
person may export or reexport any item that is subject to the EAR if 
such transaction is prohibited by the ITSR and has not been 
authorized by OFAC. The prohibition found in Section 746.7(e) 
applies whether or not the EAR require a license for the export or 
reexport in question. Id.
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    The evidence presented relates to transactions that occurred 
between at least September 2016, through at least December 2017. 
Specifically, in September 2016, Ufuk Avia Lojistik, with Ms. Yegane 
listed as its contact person, was identified in the consignee field on 
an air waybill for an unlicensed shipment of a CFM56-3C1 jet aircraft 
engine, engine serial number (``ESN'') 857203, from the United States 
to Turkey.\5\ The engine is used on Boeing 737 aircraft, and is subject 
to the Regulations and controlled for anti-terrorism reasons when 
exported to Iran, as described in Export Control Classification Number 
(``ECCN'') 9A991.d and pursuant to Section 742.8 of the EAR.
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    \5\ Yegane's full or precise role at Ufuk Avia Lojistik is not 
entirely clear from the evidence, but there is some information 
indicating that she served as its general manager.
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    Documentation and correspondence relating to the transaction 
indicate that the engine was destined for sale or lease to an Iranian 
airline, contrary to what appeared on export paperwork. The U.S. 
Government was able to prevent this engine from being transshipped from 
Turkey on to Iran by returning the engine to the United States pursuant 
to a redelivery order issued by OEE under Section 758.8 of the 
Regulations on September 23, 2016.
    OEE's investigation also shows that, having been prevented from 
obtaining ESN 857203 for transshipment to Iran, Ms. Yegane was involved 
in efforts to obtain other CFM56-3C1 engines (ESNs 856772 and 857999) 
from the United States for that purpose between September 2016 and 
November 2016, with the transactions being re-structured and re-routed 
so that neither Ufuk Avia Lojistik nor Ms. Yegane would be listed in 
the transaction documents and another company listed as the consignee. 
The U.S. Government was able to thwart one of these intended 
transshipments to Iran, with BIS issuing a redelivery order on November 
4, 2016, as to ESN 857999. Moreover, in January 2017, Ms. Yegane, 
Trigron Lojistik Kargo, and RA Havacilik were involved in the 
transshipment of a CFM56-3C1 jet aircraft engine of unknown serial 
number, but believed to be subject to the EAR, to Iran.
    BIS's investigation has also showed that Trigron Lojistik Kargo is 
owned and operated by Ms. Yegane and has more recently been used, in 
conjunction with RA Havacilik, in the routing and attempted routing of 
shipments from the United States destined for transshipment to Iran via 
Turkey. The evidence presented by OEE indicates that RA Havacilik was 
formed on September 26, 2016, three days after BIS ordered the 
redelivery of ESN 857023. The evidence also suggests that Yegane and/or 
Trigron may own or control RA Havacilik; at the very least, the 
evidence indicates that they have been acting in concert to procure 
aircraft parts from the United States, items subject to the EAR (and 
the ITSR), for transshipment to Iran. BIS has uncovered several 
intended exports of such aircraft parts from the United States to RA 
Havacilik in December 2017, including, for example, gaskets and 
isolators used on Boeing aircraft. The evidence presented by OEE 
indicated that at least one of these December 2017 shipments from the 
United States was, in fact, transshipped on to Iran, contrary to the 
consignee and buyer information listed on the transaction paperwork. 
BIS detained other shipments.
    In sum, the facts and circumstances here and related evidence 
indicate a high likelihood of future violations of the Regulations and 
U.S. export control laws, including Ms. Yegane's previously-identified 
involvement in an aviation procurement network facilitating trade to 
Iran for or on behalf of Mahan Airways, a denied person (and SDGT); the 
repeated attempts to evade the long-standing and well-known U.S. 
embargo against Iran by obtaining and facilitating the acquisition of 
controlled jet aircraft engines and other aircraft parts from the 
United States for transshipment to Iran from at least September 2016, 
through at least December 2017; and the deliberate, covert, and 
determined nature of the misconduct and clear disregard for complying 
with U.S. export control laws.
    Accordingly, I find that the evidence presented by BIS demonstrates 
that a violation of the Regulations is imminent. As such, a temporary 
denial order (``TDO'') is needed to give notice to persons and 
companies in the United States and abroad that they should cease 
dealing with Gulnihal Yegane, Trigron Lojistik Kargo Limited Sirketi, 
Ufuk Avia Lojistik Limited Sirketi, and RA Havacilik Lojistik Ve 
Tasimacilik Ticaret Limited Sirketi in export or reexport transactions 
involving items subject to the EAR. Such a TDO is consistent with the 
public interest to preclude future violations of the Regulations.
    Accordingly, I find that an Order denying the export privileges of 
Gulnihal Yegane, Trigron Lojistik Kargo Limited Sirketi, Ufuk Avia 
Lojistik Limited Sirketi, and RA Havacilik Lojistik Ve Tasimacilik 
Ticaret Limited Sirketi is necessary, in the public interest, to 
prevent imminent violation of the Regulations.
    This Order is being issued on an ex parte basis without a hearing 
based upon BIS's showing of an imminent violation in accordance with 
Section 766.24 of the Regulations.
    It is therefore ordered:
    First, that GULNIHAL YEGANE, with an address at Merkez Mah. Hasat 
Sok., No: 52/6, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey, and at Yanibosna Merkez Mah., 
Degirmenbah[ccedil]e Cad. No. 11, Airport Hill Sitesi Blok D.6, 
Bah[ccedil]elievler, Istanbul, Turkey, and at Egs Bloklari B-1 Blok K.1 
No: 114, Yesilkoy Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey, and at Huzur mah, Ayazaga 
Oyak sitesi, 9. Blok, No: 19, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey, and at Turgut 
Reis Mh. Glyimkent Kath Is Merk. K:4 D:4412 Esenler/Istanbul, Turkey, 
and at Onucreis Mah. Giyimkent Sitesi 3. Sokak No:118 Esenler/Istanbul, 
Turkey; TRIGRON LOJISTIK KARGO LIMITED SIRKETI, with an address at 
Yanibosna Merkez Mah., Degirmenbah[ccedil]e Cad. No. 11, Airport Hill 
Sitesi Blok D.6, Bah[ccedil]elievler, Istanbul, Turkey; UFUK AVIA 
LOJISTIK LIMITED SIRKETI, with an address at Merkez Mah. Hasat Sok., 
No: 52/6, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey; and RA HAVACILIK LOJISTIK VE 
TASIMACILIK TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI, with an address at Yesilce Mah. 
Dalgic SK., 3/101 Kagithane,

[[Page 4899]]

Istanbul, Turkey 34000, and when acting for or on their behalf, any 
successors or assigns, agents, or employees (each a ``Denied Person'' 
and collectively the ``Denied Persons'') may not, directly or 
indirectly, participate in any way in any transaction involving any 
commodity, software or technology (hereinafter collectively referred to 
as ``item'') exported or to be exported from the United States that is 
subject to the Export Administration Regulations (``EAR''), or in any 
other activity subject to the EAR including, but not limited to:
    A. Applying for, obtaining, or using any license, License 
Exception, or export control document;
    B. Carrying on negotiations concerning, or ordering, buying, 
receiving, using, selling, delivering, storing, disposing of, 
forwarding, transporting, financing, or otherwise servicing in any way, 
any transaction involving any item exported or to be exported from the 
United States that is subject to the EAR, or in any other activity 
subject to the EAR; or
    C. Benefitting in any way from any transaction involving any item 
exported or to be exported from the United States that is subject to 
the EAR, or in any other activity subject to the EAR.
    Second, that no person may, directly or indirectly, do any of the 
following:
    A. Export or reexport to or on behalf of a Denied Person any item 
subject to the EAR;
    B. Take any action that facilitates the acquisition or attempted 
acquisition by a Denied Person of the ownership, possession, or control 
of any item subject to the EAR that has been or will be exported from 
the United States, including financing or other support activities 
related to a transaction whereby a Denied Person acquires or attempts 
to acquire such ownership, possession or control;
    C. Take any action to acquire from or to facilitate the acquisition 
or attempted acquisition from a Denied Person of any item subject to 
the EAR that has been exported from the United States;
    D. Obtain from a Denied Person in the United States any item 
subject to the EAR with knowledge or reason to know that the item will 
be, or is intended to be, exported from the United States; or
    E. Engage in any transaction to service any item subject to the EAR 
that has been or will be exported from the United States and which is 
owned, possessed or controlled by a Denied Person, or service any item, 
of whatever origin, that is owned, possessed or controlled by a Denied 
Person if such service involves the use of any item subject to the EAR 
that has been or will be exported from the United States. For purposes 
of this paragraph, servicing means installation, maintenance, repair, 
modification or testing.
    Third, that, after notice and opportunity for comment as provided 
in section 766.23 of the EAR, any other person, firm, corporation, or 
business organization related to a Denied Person by affiliation, 
ownership, control, or position of responsibility in the conduct of 
trade or related services may also be made subject to the provisions of 
this Order.
    In accordance with the provisions of Section 766.24(e) of the EAR, 
Respondents Gulnihal Yegane, Trigron Lojistik Kargo Limited Sirketi, 
Ufuk Avia Lojistik Limited Sirketi, or RA Havacilik Lojistik Ve 
Tasimacilik Ticaret Limited Sirketi may, at any time, appeal this Order 
by filing a full written statement in support of the appeal with the 
Office of the Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Coast Guard ALJ Docketing 
Center, 40 South Gay Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4022.
    In accordance with the provisions of Section 766.24(d) of the EAR, 
BIS may seek renewal of this Order by filing a written request not 
later than 20 days before the expiration date. Respondents Gulnihal 
Yegane, Trigron Lojistik Kargo Limited Sirketi, Ufuk Avia Lojistik 
Limited Sirketi, and RA Havacilik Lojistik Ve Tasimacilik Ticaret 
Limited Sirketi may oppose a request to renew this Order by filing a 
written submission with the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, 
which must be received not later than seven days before the expiration 
date of the Order.
    A copy of this Order shall be served on Respondents and shall be 
published in the Federal Register.
    This Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect for 
180 days.

    Dated: January 26, 2018.
Kevin J. Kurland,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2018-02067 Filed 2-1-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE P



                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Notices                                                       4897

                                                existing Sites 1, 2, 4 and 5 as ‘‘magnet’’                Tasimacilik Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Yesilce           As referenced in OEE’s request,
                                                sites and existing Site 6 as a usage-                     Mah. Dalgic SK., 3/101 Kagithane, Istanbul,         Gulnihal Yegane was placed on BIS’s
                                                driven site. No new subzones or usage-                    Turkey 34000, Respondents.                          Entity List, Supplement No. 4 to Part
                                                driven sites are being requested at this                   Pursuant to Section 766.24 of the                  744 of the Regulations, on December 12,
                                                time. The application would have no                     Export Administration Regulations (the                2013 (see 78 FR 75,463), for engaging in
                                                impact on FTZ 81’s previously                                                                                 activities contrary to the national
                                                                                                        ‘‘Regulations’’ or ‘‘EAR’’),1 the Bureau of
                                                authorized subzones.                                                                                          security or foreign policy interests of the
                                                                                                        Industry and Security (‘‘BIS’’), U.S.
                                                   In accordance with the FTZ Board’s                                                                         United States. See 15 CFR 744.11. Ms.
                                                                                                        Department of Commerce, through its
                                                regulations, Kathleen Boyce of the FTZ                                                                        Yegane was, namely, one of 19 persons
                                                                                                        Office of Export Enforcement (‘‘OEE’’),
                                                Staff is designated examiner to evaluate                                                                      engaged in the development and
                                                                                                        has requested the issuance of an Order
                                                and analyze the facts and information                                                                         operation of a procurement scheme that
                                                                                                        temporarily denying, for a period of 180
                                                presented in the application and case                                                                         directly supported the operation of
                                                                                                        days, the export privileges under the
                                                record and to report findings and                                                                             Iranian airline Mahan Airways. See 78
                                                                                                        Regulations of: Gulnihal Yegane,
                                                recommendations to the FTZ Board.                                                                             FR 75,463 (Dec. 12, 2013). Mahan
                                                   Public comment is invited from                       Trigron Lojistik Kargo Limited Sirketi
                                                                                                                                                              Airways has been on BIS’s Denied
                                                interested parties. Submissions shall be                (‘‘Trigron Lojistik Kargo’’ or ‘‘Trigron’’),          Persons List since March 2008, due to
                                                addressed to the FTZ Board’s Executive                  Ufuk Avia Lojistik Limited Sirketi                    numerous significant, continuing,
                                                Secretary at the address below. The                     (‘‘Ufuk Avia Lojistik’’), and RA                      deliberate, and covert violations of the
                                                closing period for their receipt is April               Havacilik Lojistik Ve Tasimacilik                     Regulations.2 In addition, since October
                                                3, 2018. Rebuttal comments in response                  Ticaret Limited Sirketi (‘‘RA                         2011, it has been designated as a
                                                to material submitted during the                        Havacilik’’). OEE’s request and related               Specially Designated Global Terrorist
                                                foregoing period may be submitted                       information indicates that these parties              (‘‘SDGT’’) by the Treasury Department’s
                                                during the subsequent 15-day period to                  are located in Turkey, at the respective              Office of Foreign Assets Control
                                                April 18, 2018.                                         addresses listed on the caption page of               (‘‘OFAC’’) pursuant to Executive Order
                                                   A copy of the application will be                    this order and on page 8, infra, and that             13224 for providing financial, material
                                                available for public inspection at the                  Ms. Yegane owns or controls or is                     and technological support to Iran’s
                                                Office of the Executive Secretary,                      otherwise affiliated with Trigron                     Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-
                                                Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room                         Lojistik Kargo and the other companies                Qods Force (IRGC–QF). See 77 FR
                                                21013, U.S. Department of Commerce,                     at issue.                                             64,427 (October 18, 2011).
                                                1401 Constitution Avenue NW,                               Pursuant to Section 766.24, BIS may                   As discussed in the temporary denial
                                                Washington, DC 20230–0002, and in the                   issue an order temporarily denying a                  renewal orders issued by BIS against
                                                ‘‘Reading Room’’ section of the FTZ                     respondent’s export privileges upon a                 Mahan Airways in July 2013, and
                                                Board’s website, which is accessible via                showing that the order is necessary in                February 2014, OEE obtained evidence
                                                www.trade.gov/ftz. For further                          the public interest to prevent an                     during 2013 indicating that Mahan
                                                information, contact Kathleen Boyce at                  ‘‘imminent violation’’ of the                         Airways had been involved in efforts to
                                                Kathleen.Boyce@trade.gov or (202) 482–                  Regulations. 15 CFR 766.24(b)(1) and                  unlawfully obtain a U.S.-origin GE CF6–
                                                1346.                                                   766.24(d). ‘‘A violation may be                       50C2 aircraft engine via transshipment
                                                                                                        ‘imminent’ either in time or degree of                through Turkey. The evidence indicated
                                                  Dated: January 30, 2018.
                                                                                                        likelihood.’’ 15 CFR 766.24(b)(3). BIS                that Mahan sought to obtain this U.S.-
                                                Elizabeth Whiteman,
                                                                                                        may show ‘‘either that a violation is                 origin engine through Pioneer Logistics
                                                Acting Executive Secretary.                                                                                   Havacilik Turizm Yonetim Danismanlik
                                                                                                        about to occur, or that the general
                                                [FR Doc. 2018–02105 Filed 2–1–18; 8:45 am]                                                                    (‘‘Pioneer Logistics’’), a Turkish
                                                                                                        circumstances of the matter under
                                                BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
                                                                                                        investigation or case under criminal or               company involved in procuring and
                                                                                                        administrative charges demonstrate a                  supplying aircraft parts, and its director/
                                                                                                        likelihood of future violations.’’ Id. As             operator, Gulnihal Yegane. See Mahan
                                                DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                                                                        Airways, et al., TDO Renewal Order
                                                                                                        to the likelihood of future violations,
                                                                                                        BIS may show that the violation under                 dated January 24, 2014, (79 FR 4871
                                                Bureau of Industry and Security
                                                                                                        investigation or charge ‘‘is significant,             (Jan. 30, 2014)); Mahan Airways, et al.,
                                                Order Temporarily Denying Export                        deliberate, covert and/or likely to occur             TDO Renewal Order dated July 31, 2013
                                                Privileges                                              again, rather than technical or                       (78 FR 48,138 (Aug. 72013)).3
                                                                                                        negligent[.]’’ Id. A ‘‘[l]ack of information
                                                Gulnihal Yegane, Merkez Mah. Hasat Sok.                 establishing the precise time a violation
                                                                                                                                                                2 Mahan Airways’ status as a denied person was

                                                  No: 52/6, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey; and                                                                      most recently renewed by BIS through a temporary
                                                  Yanibosna Merkez Mah., Degirmenbahçe                 may occur does not preclude a finding                 denial order issued on December 20, 2017. See 82
                                                  Cad. No. 11, Airport Hill Sitesi Blok D.6,            that a violation is imminent, so long as              FR 61,745 (Dec. 29, 2017). The December 20, 2017
                                                  Bahçelievler, Istanbul, Turkey; and Egs              there is sufficient reason to believe the             renewal order summarizes the initial TDO issued
                                                                                                                                                              against Mahan in March 2008, and the other
                                                  Bloklari B–1 Blok K.1 No: 114, Yesilkoy               likelihood of a violation.’’ Id.                      renewal orders prior to December 20, 2017. See id.
                                                  Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey; and Huzur                                                                         3 OFAC subsequently designated Pioneer
                                                  mah, Ayazaga Oyak sitesi, 9. Blok, No: 19,               1 The EAR are currently codified at 15 CFR parts   Logistics as a SDGT, in doing so describing Pioneer
                                                  Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey; and Turgut Reis              730–774 (2017). The EAR issued under the Export       Logistics as a key Mahan Airways front company
                                                  Mh. Glyimkent Kath Is Merk., K:4 D:4412,              Administration Act of 1979, as amended 50 U.S.C.      that served as an intermediary for Mahan Airways,
                                                  Esenler/Istanbul, Turkey; and Onucreis                4601–4623 (Supp. III 2015) (available at http://      acting for or on behalf of Mahan by purchasing and
                                                  Mah. Giyimkent Sitesi, 3. Sokak No: 118,              uscode.house.gov) (‘‘EAA’’ or the ‘‘Act’’). Since     receiving aviation-related materials. OFAC also
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  Esenler/Istanbul, Turkey                              August 21, 2001, the Act has been in lapse and the    stated that in an effort to help Mahan evade U.S.
                                                Trigron Lojistik Kargo Limited Sirketi,                 President, through Executive Order 13222 of August    Government sanctions, Pioneer Logistics shipped
                                                                                                        17, 2001 (3 CFR, 2001 Comp. 783 (2002)), which        aircraft parts to another U.S.-designated Mahan
                                                  Yanibosna Merkez Mah., Degirmenbahçe
                                                                                                        has been extended by successive Presidential          front company for onward delivery to Mahan, and
                                                  Cad. No. 11, Airport Hill Sitesi Blok D.6,            Notices, the most recent being that of August 15,     that Mahan used Pioneer Logistics as a cutout for
                                                  Bahçelievler, Istanbul, Turkey; Ufuk Avia            2017 (82 FR 39,005 (Aug. 16, 2017)), has continued    the repair and overhaul of aircraft parts and as a
                                                  Lojistik Limited Sirketi, Merkez Mah.                 the Regulations in effect under the International     cutout to evade sanctions in order to purchase
                                                  Hasat Sok., No: 52/6, Sisli, Istanbul,                Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701,        aircraft tires for its aircraft. See OFAC Press Release
                                                  Turkey; RA Havacilik Lojistik Ve                      et seq. (2006 & Supp. IV 2010)).                                                                    Continued




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                                                4898                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Notices

                                                   Ms. Yegane remains on the Entity                        OEE’s investigation also shows that,               jet aircraft engines and other aircraft
                                                List, and as a result of that listing, no               having been prevented from obtaining                  parts from the United States for
                                                item subject to the Regulations may be                  ESN 857203 for transshipment to Iran,                 transshipment to Iran from at least
                                                exported, reexported, or transferred (in-               Ms. Yegane was involved in efforts to                 September 2016, through at least
                                                country) to her without prior license                   obtain other CFM56–3C1 engines (ESNs                  December 2017; and the deliberate,
                                                authorization from BIS. See 15 CFR                      856772 and 857999) from the United                    covert, and determined nature of the
                                                744.11; Supp No. 4 to 15 CFR part 744.                  States for that purpose between                       misconduct and clear disregard for
                                                Moreover, BIS’s review policy regarding                 September 2016 and November 2016,                     complying with U.S. export control
                                                such applications involving Ms. Yegane                  with the transactions being re-structured             laws.
                                                is a presumption of denial. Id.                         and re-routed so that neither Ufuk Avia                  Accordingly, I find that the evidence
                                                   In its request, OEE has presented                    Lojistik nor Ms. Yegane would be listed               presented by BIS demonstrates that a
                                                evidence indicating that Ms. Yegane and                 in the transaction documents and                      violation of the Regulations is
                                                the other respondents are engaged in                    another company listed as the                         imminent. As such, a temporary denial
                                                procurement activities relating to U.S.-                consignee. The U.S. Government was                    order (‘‘TDO’’) is needed to give notice
                                                origin aircraft engines and parts for or                able to thwart one of these intended                  to persons and companies in the United
                                                on behalf of one or more Iranian                        transshipments to Iran, with BIS issuing              States and abroad that they should cease
                                                airlines, operating as transaction parties              a redelivery order on November 4, 2016,               dealing with Gulnihal Yegane, Trigron
                                                and/or facilitating transactions that are               as to ESN 857999. Moreover, in January                Lojistik Kargo Limited Sirketi, Ufuk
                                                structured to evade the Regulations (as                 2017, Ms. Yegane, Trigron Lojistik                    Avia Lojistik Limited Sirketi, and RA
                                                well as the Iranian Transactions and                    Kargo, and RA Havacilik were involved                 Havacilik Lojistik Ve Tasimacilik
                                                Sanctions Regulations (‘‘ITSR’’), 31 CFR                in the transshipment of a CFM56–3C1                   Ticaret Limited Sirketi in export or
                                                                                                        jet aircraft engine of unknown serial                 reexport transactions involving items
                                                part 560, administered by OFAC) 4 by
                                                                                                        number, but believed to be subject to the             subject to the EAR. Such a TDO is
                                                routing unlicensed exports or reexports
                                                                                                        EAR, to Iran.                                         consistent with the public interest to
                                                through Turkey to Iran.
                                                                                                           BIS’s investigation has also showed                preclude future violations of the
                                                   The evidence presented relates to                    that Trigron Lojistik Kargo is owned and              Regulations.
                                                transactions that occurred between at                   operated by Ms. Yegane and has more                      Accordingly, I find that an Order
                                                least September 2016, through at least                  recently been used, in conjunction with               denying the export privileges of
                                                December 2017. Specifically, in                         RA Havacilik, in the routing and                      Gulnihal Yegane, Trigron Lojistik Kargo
                                                September 2016, Ufuk Avia Lojistik,                     attempted routing of shipments from the               Limited Sirketi, Ufuk Avia Lojistik
                                                with Ms. Yegane listed as its contact                   United States destined for                            Limited Sirketi, and RA Havacilik
                                                person, was identified in the consignee                 transshipment to Iran via Turkey. The                 Lojistik Ve Tasimacilik Ticaret Limited
                                                field on an air waybill for an unlicensed               evidence presented by OEE indicates                   Sirketi is necessary, in the public
                                                shipment of a CFM56–3C1 jet aircraft                    that RA Havacilik was formed on                       interest, to prevent imminent violation
                                                engine, engine serial number (‘‘ESN’’)                  September 26, 2016, three days after BIS              of the Regulations.
                                                857203, from the United States to                       ordered the redelivery of ESN 857023.                    This Order is being issued on an ex
                                                Turkey.5 The engine is used on Boeing                   The evidence also suggests that Yegane                parte basis without a hearing based
                                                737 aircraft, and is subject to the                     and/or Trigron may own or control RA                  upon BIS’s showing of an imminent
                                                Regulations and controlled for anti-                    Havacilik; at the very least, the evidence            violation in accordance with Section
                                                terrorism reasons when exported to Iran,                indicates that they have been acting in               766.24 of the Regulations.
                                                as described in Export Control                          concert to procure aircraft parts from the               It is therefore ordered:
                                                Classification Number (‘‘ECCN’’)                        United States, items subject to the EAR                  First, that GULNIHAL YEGANE, with
                                                9A991.d and pursuant to Section 742.8                   (and the ITSR), for transshipment to                  an address at Merkez Mah. Hasat Sok.,
                                                of the EAR.                                             Iran. BIS has uncovered several                       No: 52/6, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey, and at
                                                   Documentation and correspondence                     intended exports of such aircraft parts               Yanibosna Merkez Mah.,
                                                relating to the transaction indicate that               from the United States to RA Havacilik                Degirmenbahçe Cad. No. 11, Airport
                                                the engine was destined for sale or lease               in December 2017, including, for                      Hill Sitesi Blok D.6, Bahçelievler,
                                                to an Iranian airline, contrary to what                 example, gaskets and isolators used on                Istanbul, Turkey, and at Egs Bloklari
                                                appeared on export paperwork. The U.S.                  Boeing aircraft. The evidence presented               B–1 Blok K.1 No: 114, Yesilkoy
                                                Government was able to prevent this                     by OEE indicated that at least one of                 Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey, and at
                                                engine from being transshipped from                     these December 2017 shipments from                    Huzur mah, Ayazaga Oyak sitesi, 9.
                                                Turkey on to Iran by returning the                      the United States was, in fact,                       Blok, No: 19, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey, and
                                                engine to the United States pursuant to                 transshipped on to Iran, contrary to the              at Turgut Reis Mh. Glyimkent Kath Is
                                                a redelivery order issued by OEE under                  consignee and buyer information listed                Merk. K:4 D:4412 Esenler/Istanbul,
                                                Section 758.8 of the Regulations on                     on the transaction paperwork. BIS                     Turkey, and at Onucreis Mah.
                                                September 23, 2016.                                     detained other shipments.                             Giyimkent Sitesi 3. Sokak No:118
                                                                                                           In sum, the facts and circumstances                Esenler/Istanbul, Turkey; TRIGRON
                                                dated Aug. 29, 2014, copy at https://                   here and related evidence indicate a                  LOJISTIK KARGO LIMITED SIRKETI,
                                                www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/           high likelihood of future violations of               with an address at Yanibosna Merkez
                                                Pages/jl2618.aspx; 79 FR 55072 (Sept. 15, 2014)).       the Regulations and U.S. export control               Mah., Degirmenbahçe Cad. No. 11,
                                                  4 Pursuant to Section 746.7(e) of the EAR, 15 CFR
                                                                                                        laws, including Ms. Yegane’s                          Airport Hill Sitesi Blok D.6,
                                                746.7(e), no person may export or reexport any item                                                           Bahçelievler, Istanbul, Turkey; UFUK
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                that is subject to the EAR if such transaction is
                                                                                                        previously-identified involvement in an
                                                prohibited by the ITSR and has not been authorized      aviation procurement network                          AVIA LOJISTIK LIMITED SIRKETI, with
                                                by OFAC. The prohibition found in Section 746.7(e)      facilitating trade to Iran for or on behalf           an address at Merkez Mah. Hasat Sok.,
                                                applies whether or not the EAR require a license for    of Mahan Airways, a denied person (and                No: 52/6, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey; and RA
                                                the export or reexport in question. Id.                 SDGT); the repeated attempts to evade                 HAVACILIK LOJISTIK VE
                                                  5 Yegane’s full or precise role at Ufuk Avia

                                                Lojistik is not entirely clear from the evidence, but
                                                                                                        the long-standing and well-known U.S.                 TASIMACILIK TICARET LIMITED
                                                there is some information indicating that she served    embargo against Iran by obtaining and                 SIRKETI, with an address at Yesilce
                                                as its general manager.                                 facilitating the acquisition of controlled            Mah. Dalgic SK., 3/101 Kagithane,


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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 2018 / Notices                                                     4899

                                                Istanbul, Turkey 34000, and when                        purposes of this paragraph, servicing                 DATES:   Applicable February 2, 2018.
                                                acting for or on their behalf, any                      means installation, maintenance, repair,              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                successors or assigns, agents, or                       modification or testing.                              Katherine Johnson at (202) 482–4929 or
                                                employees (each a ‘‘Denied Person’’ and                   Third, that, after notice and                       Renato Barreda at (202) 482–0317 (the
                                                collectively the ‘‘Denied Persons’’) may                opportunity for comment as provided in                People’s Republic of China (China)), and
                                                not, directly or indirectly, participate in             section 766.23 of the EAR, any other                  Denisa Ursu at (202) 482–2285 or
                                                any way in any transaction involving                    person, firm, corporation, or business                Michael Bowen at (202) 482–0768
                                                any commodity, software or technology                   organization related to a Denied Person               (Italy), Robert Palmer at (202) 482–9068
                                                (hereinafter collectively referred to as                by affiliation, ownership, control, or                (Taiwan), AD/CVD Operations, Office
                                                ‘‘item’’) exported or to be exported from               position of responsibility in the conduct             VIII, Enforcement and Compliance,
                                                the United States that is subject to the                of trade or related services may also be              International Trade Administration,
                                                Export Administration Regulations                       made subject to the provisions of this                U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401
                                                (‘‘EAR’’), or in any other activity subject             Order.                                                Constitution Avenue NW, Washington,
                                                to the EAR including, but not limited to:                 In accordance with the provisions of                DC 20230.
                                                   A. Applying for, obtaining, or using                 Section 766.24(e) of the EAR,                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                any license, License Exception, or                      Respondents Gulnihal Yegane, Trigron
                                                export control document;                                Lojistik Kargo Limited Sirketi, Ufuk                  Background
                                                   B. Carrying on negotiations                          Avia Lojistik Limited Sirketi, or RA                     On October 25, 2017, the Department
                                                concerning, or ordering, buying,                        Havacilik Lojistik Ve Tasimacilik                     of Commerce (Commerce) initiated less-
                                                receiving, using, selling, delivering,                  Ticaret Limited Sirketi may, at any time,             than-fair-value (LTFV) investigations of
                                                storing, disposing of, forwarding,                      appeal this Order by filing a full written            imports of forged steel fittings from
                                                transporting, financing, or otherwise                   statement in support of the appeal with               China, Italy and Taiwan.1 Currently, the
                                                servicing in any way, any transaction                   the Office of the Administrative Law                  preliminary determinations are due no
                                                involving any item exported or to be                    Judge, U.S. Coast Guard ALJ Docketing                 later than March 14, 2018.
                                                exported from the United States that is                 Center, 40 South Gay Street, Baltimore,
                                                subject to the EAR, or in any other                                                                           Postponement of Preliminary
                                                                                                        Maryland 21202–4022.                                  Determinations
                                                activity subject to the EAR; or                           In accordance with the provisions of
                                                   C. Benefitting in any way from any                   Section 766.24(d) of the EAR, BIS may                    Section 733(b)(1)(A) of the Tariff Act
                                                transaction involving any item exported                 seek renewal of this Order by filing a                of 1930, as amended (the Act), requires
                                                or to be exported from the United States                written request not later than 20 days                Commerce to issue the preliminary
                                                that is subject to the EAR, or in any                   before the expiration date. Respondents               determination in an LTFV investigation
                                                other activity subject to the EAR.                      Gulnihal Yegane, Trigron Lojistik Kargo               within 140 days after the date on which
                                                   Second, that no person may, directly                 Limited Sirketi, Ufuk Avia Lojistik                   Commerce initiated the investigation.
                                                or indirectly, do any of the following:                 Limited Sirketi, and RA Havacilik                     However, section 733(c)(1) of the Act
                                                   A. Export or reexport to or on behalf                                                                      permits Commerce to postpone the
                                                                                                        Lojistik Ve Tasimacilik Ticaret Limited
                                                of a Denied Person any item subject to                                                                        preliminary determination until no later
                                                                                                        Sirketi may oppose a request to renew
                                                the EAR;                                                                                                      than 190 days after the date on which
                                                   B. Take any action that facilitates the              this Order by filing a written submission
                                                                                                        with the Assistant Secretary for Export               Commerce initiated the investigation if:
                                                acquisition or attempted acquisition by                                                                       (A) The petitioner makes a timely
                                                a Denied Person of the ownership,                       Enforcement, which must be received
                                                                                                        not later than seven days before the                  request for a postponement; or (B)
                                                possession, or control of any item                                                                            Commerce concludes that the parties
                                                subject to the EAR that has been or will                expiration date of the Order.
                                                                                                          A copy of this Order shall be served                concerned are cooperating, that the
                                                be exported from the United States,                                                                           investigation is extraordinarily
                                                including financing or other support                    on Respondents and shall be published
                                                                                                        in the Federal Register.                              complicated, and that additional time is
                                                activities related to a transaction                                                                           necessary to make a preliminary
                                                whereby a Denied Person acquires or                       This Order is effective immediately
                                                                                                        and shall remain in effect for 180 days.              determination. Under 19 CFR
                                                attempts to acquire such ownership,                                                                           351.205(e), the petitioner must submit a
                                                possession or control;                                    Dated: January 26, 2018.                            request for postponement 25 days or
                                                   C. Take any action to acquire from or                Kevin J. Kurland,                                     more before the scheduled date of the
                                                to facilitate the acquisition or attempted              Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of                  preliminary determination and must
                                                acquisition from a Denied Person of any                 Commerce for Export Enforcement.                      state the reasons for the request.
                                                item subject to the EAR that has been                   [FR Doc. 2018–02067 Filed 2–1–18; 8:45 am]            Commerce will grant the request unless
                                                exported from the United States;                        BILLING CODE P                                        it finds compelling reasons to deny the
                                                   D. Obtain from a Denied Person in the                                                                      request. See 19 CFR 351.205(e).
                                                United States any item subject to the                                                                            On January 10, 2018, the petitioners 2
                                                EAR with knowledge or reason to know                    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                submitted a timely request that
                                                that the item will be, or is intended to                                                                      Commerce postpone the preliminary
                                                be, exported from the United States; or                 International Trade Administration                    determinations in these LTFV
                                                   E. Engage in any transaction to service                                                                    investigations. The petitioners stated
                                                any item subject to the EAR that has                    [A–570–067, A–475–839, and A–583–863]
                                                                                                                                                              that they request postponement because
                                                been or will be exported from the                       Forged Steel Fittings From the                        under the current issue date for the
                                                United States and which is owned,
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                        People’s Republic of China, Italy, and
                                                possessed or controlled by a Denied                     Taiwan: Postponement of Preliminary                     1 See Forged Steel Fittings from the People’s
                                                Person, or service any item, of whatever                Determinations in the Less-Than-Fair-                 Republic of China, Italy, and Taiwan: Initiation of
                                                origin, that is owned, possessed or                     Value Investigations
                                                                                                                                                              Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 82 FR 50614
                                                controlled by a Denied Person if such                                                                         (November 1, 2017) (Initiation Notice).
                                                                                                                                                                2 The petitioners are Bonney Forge Corporation
                                                service involves the use of any item                    AGENCY:  Enforcement and Compliance,                  and United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber,
                                                subject to the EAR that has been or will                International Trade Administration,                   Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and
                                                be exported from the United States. For                 Department of Commerce.                               Service Workers International Union (USW).



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Document Created: 2018-02-03 14:27:37
Document Modified: 2018-02-03 14:27:37
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
FR Citation83 FR 4897 

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