Sharon Gohari, a New York-based, Iran-born U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to charges of human smuggling and receiving child sexual abuse material, according to federal authorities [1]. Gohari operated a migrant smuggling business from at least late 2020 until his arrest in May 2025, charging thousands of dollars to move Iranian nationals and others into the U.S. via Turkey and Mexico, and assisting with visas through the Mexican embassy in Iran [1]. Authorities highlighted that Gohari's operation posed significant national security risks, as he facilitated the illegal entry of at least one individual tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization. This individual was later detained by border agents and admitted to carrying out tasks for the IRGC abroad [1].
Federal agents searching Gohari’s devices discovered multiple videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children, including victims believed to be as young as five years old, as well as hundreds of photos and recordings showing women being secretly filmed and followed in public places across New York City [1]. Some of the material was shared with overseas accounts, including Iran, linked to the exchange of child sexual abuse content [1].
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg emphasized the importance of border security, stating, "we cannot protect our national security without a secure border," and described Gohari’s actions as a business of smuggling aliens into the United States, including someone linked to the IRGC [1]. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. noted that Gohari "exploited and endangered vulnerable individuals for profit, over and over again," and "put our national security at risk" by helping people bypass vetting systems [1]. FBI Counterterrorism Division Assistant Director Donald Holstead reiterated that Gohari’s actions endangered national security [1].
CONCLUSION
The guilty plea of Sharon Gohari underscores serious national security and public safety concerns, as his smuggling operation facilitated the illegal entry of individuals tied to terrorist organizations and involved disturbing exploitation. Authorities stress the need for stronger border security and vigilance against such threats. The case is likely to prompt heightened scrutiny of border and immigration controls.