The U.S. Department of Justice said that a 43-year-old Russian man with American citizenship has admitted to violating U.S. restrictions on the export of advanced technologies to Russia. This was reported by Radio Liberty.
A man named Vadim Yermolenko, who lives in New Jersey, reportedly played a key role in a scheme linked to Russian intelligence services aimed at illegally supplying US-made military technology to the Russian army and intelligence.
Yermolenko admitted his involvement in a transnational network that engaged in procurement and money laundering through shell companies and hidden financial channels, circumventing US export restrictions. The network provided supplies of dual-use electronic components for the needs of Russian law enforcement agencies.
"The defendant admitted that he played a central role in a now disrupted scheme involving Russian intelligence services to smuggle U.S.-origin military technology, including ammunition for sniper rifles, into Russia," said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.
FBI Director Christopher Ray pointed out the security risks that could lead to such technologies falling into the hands of the enemy:
"The illicit export of sensitive dual-use technologies in support of Russia's military efforts poses a significant threat to the United States and its allies and should not be tolerated.
According to Voice of America, court documents state that Yermolenko was associated with Moscow-based companies Sernia Engineering and Sertal, which reportedly operate under the control of Russian intelligence, purchasing advanced technologies and testing equipment abroad.
The US Department of Justice said in a statement that these companies operated an extensive network of shell companies and bank accounts in various countries, including the US, to conceal the involvement of the Russian government and the true end recipients of the products.
The investigation alleges that more than $12 million passed through the accounts controlled by Yermolenko, which were used to purchase military technology, including components for radars, surveillance systems, and military research and development projects.
The Ministry also notes that some of the components purchased by Yermolenko and other defendants could be used in the development of nuclear and hypersonic weapons.
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States imposed sanctions on Sernia Engineering and Sertal, as well as a number of individuals and organizations involved in the scheme, calling them "weapons of the Russian military machine.
This case also involves Alexey Bryman, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and is currently awaiting sentencing. As for another defendant, Vadim Konoshchenko, who is suspected of having ties to the FSB, the case was dismissed after he was expelled from the United States during the US-Russian prisoner exchange in August. The other defendants are either at large or their cases are pending in court.
Recall
Earlier it was reported that Russian exports of liquefied natural gas in January-October increased to 26.4 million tons, reaching a maximum in October despite the sanctions.