Estonian pleads guilty to selling electronics to Russia
An Estonian man pleaded guilty in a Brooklyn federal court to illegally exporting over $1 million worth of sensitive electronic components to Russia. The defendant used shell companies to bypass U.S. export controls, supplying technology used in missiles and electronic warfare.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to prevent the flow of dual-use technology to Russian defense contractors amid international sanctions.
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN – AN ESTONIAN MAN admitted in Brooklyn federal court on Thursday to his role in a scheme to illegally export over $1 million in sensitive electronic components to Russia, according to Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Andrey Shevlyakov pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit export violations, faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment, and will forfeit $1.5 million to the government.
Shevlyakov had been added to a list of persons prohibited from acquiring items from the U.S. without the Department of Commerce’s permission. Using shell companies, Shevlyakov deceived suppliers and bought sensitive technology anyway. He then shipped the goods – including components used in communications, avionics, missiles and electronic warfare systems – to Russian defense contractors and government agencies.
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