It is alleged that a couple from New South Wales exported two shipments of nickel alloy in 2009 and 2010 of which the ultimate destination was Iran.
Nickel which contains heat- and corrosion-resistant alloys may be used in nuclear power stations.
In 2008, the UN had banned exports of nickel alloys to Iran, attempting to cut off sources for Tehran’s nuclear program.
The Foreign Minister of Australia Julie Bishop said that exporting nickel, and goods containing nickel to Iran was subject to sanctions “because they have properties which enable use in a nuclear program”.
One of the suspects made a brief appearance has made a brief appearance in court; he is accused of illegally exporting the material in two separate batches between March 19, 2009 and April 1, 2010.