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GREENBELT, Md. – A Maryland man convicted of illegally helping Iran launch its first satellite has been sentenced to eight years in prison.Fifty-three-year-old Nader Modanlo of Potomac was sentenced Friday by a federal judge in Maryland. His attorney had recommended he spend less than 27 months in prison, while prosecutors were asking for approximately 16 to 20 years.Earlier this year, a jury found Modanlo guilty of violating a U.S. trade embargo against Iran by brokering a deal to help the country launch an Earth-observation satellite from Russia in 2005. The launch of the Sina-1 satellite marked the practical beginning of Iran's space program after decades of aspirations. Prosecutors said Modanlo was paid $10 million for his assistance.The judge also ordered Modanlo to forfeit $10 million.
