US jails ex-avionics executive for smuggling tech to Russia

Dhaka: A former executive of a US-based avionics company has been sentenced to prison for violating export laws by smuggling controlled aviation equipment to Russia.

The Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas confirmed on June 12 that Douglas Edward Robertson, 58, was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

Robertson served as Vice President of KanRus Trading Company, based in Olathe, Kansas. He pleaded guilty to export control and money laundering violations.

A second man, Oleg Chistyakov, 56, of Latvia, acted as a broker for KanRus. He received a 28-month sentence after pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy.

Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, 63, of Lawrence, the former President and owner of KanRus, is awaiting sentencing. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy and money laundering and consented to the forfeiture of over USD 450,000 worth of avionics equipment, along with a USD 50,000 personal forfeiture judgment.

Despite tightened US export restrictions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the three men continued purchasing, selling, and exporting sophisticated controlled avionics equipment to Russian customers without the required licenses.

Robertson was arrested in March 2023 for misrepresenting the value, end users, and destinations of the exports. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement led the investigation, supported by Latvian authorities and US Customs and Border Protection.

US Attorney Ryan Kriegshauser said the defendants prioritized financial gain over national interest, believing they could evade detection. "Smugglers can't fly under the radar without federal investigators ultimately uncovering their criminal activities," he said.

FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Chris Ormerod added that the sentencing reinforces the bureau's resolve to pursue those who violate US law.