In the United States, three Russians have been arrested for evading sanctions and procuring electronics for the Russian army through fake companies in Brooklyn. They managed to deliver approximately $10 million worth of goods. This information comes from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The charges have been filed against Nikolay Goltsev, Salimdzhon Nasriddinov and Kristina Puzyreva, who conducted illegal purchases on behalf of Russian organizations that were under sanctions, including those associated with the Russian army.
It is reported that some of the electronic components and integrated circuits supplied by the accused were found in Russian weaponry.
Nasriddinov was arrested in Brooklyn, while Goltsev and Puzyreva were apprehended in a Manhattan hotel, where they had arrived to visit an accomplice.
"As alleged, the defendants evaded sanctions, shipping equipment to Russia vital for their precision-guided weapons systems, some of which has been used on the battlefield in Ukraine," stated prosecutor Breon Peace.
"These defendants are alleged to have illegally exported millions of dollars in electronics to support the Kremlin in its ongoing attacks of Ukraine. Over the course of a year, this criminal organization evaded U.S. sanctions and laws, managing to dispatch over 300 shipments of restricted items, valued at approximately $10 million USD, to the Russian battlefield," according to the case.
It is reported that the accused used two organizations registered in Brooklyn, SH Brothers Inc. and SN Electronics Inc., to facilitate the scheme. These organizations unlawfully received, purchased, and shipped dual-use electronics from American manufacturers to Russia. As described in the complaint and other court documents, certain electronic components and integrated circuits with the same manufacturer, model, and part numbers were found in various types of weaponry, including:
- Thorn-MDM radio intelligence complexes
- RB-301B Borisoglebsk-2 electronic warfare complexes
- Isdelie 305E rockets
- Vitebsk L370 anti-aircraft missile complexes
- Ka-52 helicopters
- Orlan-10 drones
- T-72B3 tanks
Goltsev received orders from Russian companies, following which he communicated directly with American manufacturers and distributors, typically using pseudonyms like "Nick Stevens" or "Gio Ross." The goods were delivered to various intermediary companies, including those in Turkey, China, India, and the United Arab Emirates. Puzireva managed multiple bank accounts and conducted financial operations to support the scheme.
