MYSTERY surrounds the whereabouts of Dorset businessman Brian Woodford, who is accused of illegally selling aircraft parts to Iran.

Relatives of Mr Woodford believe he is in the Far East, but he has not been seen at his home in Singapore for at least a year.

He is believed to be using the name Abdullah.

Mr Woodford, who owns the 100-acre Chalmington Manor near Evershot, has been declared a fugitive by authorities in the USA.

It emerged earlier this year that the 77-year-old was being sought to answer charges about deals involving sensitive munitions technology made through his Singapore-based company Monarch Aviation.

Mr Woodford's wife, Laura, 63, is being held in custody in New York after being arrested when she entered the country. She strongly denies the charges but has been refused bail and is considered a serious flight risk.' Mr Woodford, who grew up in Evershot and attended the former Hardye's School in Dorchester, says the accusations against him are rubbish'.

Asked of Mr Woodford's current whereabouts, his younger brother David said: "He's where he has always been - the Far East.

"There's no change to what has happened, he hasn't returned to America.

"I don't know the technicalities of the case. A lot has been written on the internet about it."

Mr Woodford, who lives in the grounds of Chalmington Manor, said he believed his brother was in good health.

The news agency AFP reported that Brian Woodford has not been seen at his home in Singapore for a year or more'.

A house-sitter said she did not know how to contact Brian Woodford or where he had gone.

Mr Woodford and his wife conducted part of their trade through a company they operated in Fort Worth, Texas, according to a 20-count federal indictment charging them with conspiracy, money laundering and other acts in violation of national security laws.

If found guilty of the charges the Woodfords could spend the rest of their lives in prison.

US Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd said today: "Mrs Woodford remains in custody pending a trial.

"Mr Woodford is a fugitive and we are actively seeking him."