13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Greenfield man charged in Iraqi conspiracy

Greenfield man charged in Iraqi conspiracy

Indianapolis, March 4, 2005 - The FBI arrested an Indiana man on charges he tried to sell the names of U.S. Intelligence operatives in Iraq to Saddam Hussein's Iraqi Intelligence Service for $3 million. Shaaban Habiz Ahmad Ali Shaaban, also known as Shaaban Hafed and Joe Brown, 52, lives in Greenfield.

A federal indictment announced Thursday by U.S. Attorney Susan Brooks alleges Brown traveled to Iraq prior to the 2003 invasion to sell the information.

The indictment alleges Shaaban went to Iraq in late 2002 to sell the names. He also allegedly sought Iraqi support to establish an Arabic TV station in the U.S. to broadcast pro-Iraqi news and discussions.

"When someone comes and presents with false information and multiple ID's, it's important to learn who they are and what their intentions are," said Brooks.

Shaaban is also charged with agreeing to organize volunteers to act as human shields to protect Iraqi infrastructure during the war.

Shaaban is charged with conspiracy, acting as a foreign agent without notification, violation of Iraqi sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, unlawful procurement of an ID, and unlawful procurement of naturalization.

The arrest culminated a joint investigation by the FBI, Homeland Security, Immigration, Customs and the Transportation Security Administration. Shaaban's preliminary trial date is set for April 25.

Neighbors were stunned to hear of the charges filed against the man.

"Here in Greenfield it's pretty quiet.  I don't even see those neighbors, but i'm not here a lot.  It's kind of surprising," said Kate Cole.

"We know the guy and he seems nice.  The mom is nice but all along we had a feeling something was a bit odd. But we had no idea about anything like this," said Greg Lipps.