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Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

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Iranian Steals Software From Largest U. S. Nuclear Reactor: Iran Has Front Companies To Steal U. S. Secrets.

March 28th, 2009 • Richard Cochrane
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With virtually no attention a federal court in Arizona sentenced an Iranian Muslim to 15 months following his conviction of the illegal transfer of software from a nuclear reactor to Iran. The sentencing took place last December.

The 51-year-old engineer, identified as Mohammed Reza Alavi, had been convicted in May 2008 as part of a plea bargain to give information in exchange for the light sentence..

Alavi worked for the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, the largest nuclear power plant in the United States. He told federal agents that he stole software designed for training in nuclear power operations.

“We are pleased that both a jury and the judge recognized the serious nature of these crimes,” U.S. Attorney Diane Humetewa said.

Officials said Alavi worked at Palo Verde until 2006. Before his departure, they said, Alavi downloaded the training software to his personal laptop. The software was then relayed to Iran.

“A prison sentence is entirely appropriate to punish this defendant for his stealing of sensitive materials, given the potential threat to the security of information relating to a nuclear power plant,” Ms. Humetewa said.

Officials said Iran has increased efforts to acquire nuclear and military components from the United States. They said the Teheran regime has established front companies and employed Iranian and other nationals to infiltrate sensitive U.S. facilities and companies.

In December 2008, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ratified security measures meant to protect nuclear power facilities from cyber attack. This marked the first of such measures since the Al Qaida strikes in the United States in 2001.

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