United States v. Alghazouli

OPINION

WILLIAM A. FLETCHER, Circuit Judge:

Appellant Amar Alghazouli (“Alghazou-li”) was convicted by a jury on five counts arising out of unlawful importation of R-12 freon, an ozone-depleting substance. Three counts (Counts 1, 2, and 6) charged Alghazouli with violating 18 U.S.C. § 545. Section 545 prohibits fraudulent or knowing importation of merchandise “contrary to law,” as well as the receipt, concealment, or sale of merchandise, or the facilitation of the transportation, concealment, or sale of merchandise, which the defendant knows to have been imported “contrary to law.” The fourth…