Gateway to Pay Fine for Illegal PC Exports

Gateway Inc. agreed to pay a fine of $402,000 to settle charges of illegally shipping personal computers to Iran, Syria and 14 other countries subject to U.S. export controls. The Commerce Department said Gateway made the 1992 and 1993 sales even though the North Sioux City, S.D., company knew they required export licenses and in many cases falsified shipment declarations. Computer sales to most countries outside the NATO alliance are restricted, and U.S. companies are banned from selling computers to countries such as Iran, Syria and Cuba. Gateway’s sales involved more than 80 computers worth $260,000 at the time, the department said. Gateway had no immediate comment on the case. Gateway shares fell 69 cents to close at $44.50 on the New York Stock Exchange. The settlement was announced after the close of trading.