Alghazouli

I. Background

Alghazouli and his two brothers, Ahed and Omran, were arrested and tried for activities involving the sale of R-12 freon unlawfully imported from Mexico. Alghazouli was tried separately.

Witnesses at Alghazouli’s trial testified that R-12 freon was purchased cheaply in Mexico, brought into the United States without inspection, and then sold to automotive supply deal- ers. There was evidence that Spanish text on the canisters indicating their Mexican origin was removed before sale. One witness testified that in 1999 a canister of R-12 freon could be purchased in Mexico for between $150 and $185 and then sold in the United States to automotive supply shops for $300 to $450, well below the standard American price of $850 to $1200.

Alghazouli’s brother Ahed ran a wholesale automotive sup- ply business. Evidence at trial showed that Ahed was involved in the importation of R-12 freon from Mexico as part of his business. The government presented evidence that Alghazouli was responsible for various activities connected with Ahed’s business, that each of the three brothers involved was referred to as “Al,” and that all three carried business cards for “United Auto…