Alleged Russian iIntelligence officer pleads not guilty to smuggling US tech, arms

Vadim Konoshchenok, an alleged Russian intelligence officer, has pleaded not guilty to charges of violating sanctions, US export controls, and money laundering. Konoshchenok, a Russian citizen who was recently extradited from Estonia to the United States, is accused of smuggling US-origin electronics and ammunition to support Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The plea was entered before US Magistrate Judge Ramon Reyes, who ordered Konoshchenok to be detained pending trial, citing concerns that he may attempt to flee. Sabrina Shroff, Konoshchenok’s attorney based in the US, declined to comment on the case, while the Russian embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.

Konoshchenok, 48, was initially apprehended by Estonian authorities in October 2022 while attempting to cross into Russia with 35 types of semiconductors and electronic components, some of which were subject to US export controls. Additionally, he was accused of smuggling US-manufactured ammunition commonly used in sniper rifles, as outlined in the charges filed against him.

The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York stated, “Konoshchenok has also been repeatedly stopped by Estonian border officials attempting to smuggle hundreds of thousands of American-made and export-controlled rounds into Russia, including 6.5 mm, 7 mm, .338, and .308 magnum rounds, which are commonly used by snipers, as well as military-grade .223 rounds.” The statement further revealed that more than 450 kg of military-grade ammunition linked to Konoshchenok has been intercepted or recovered before being smuggled into Russia.

According to the allegations, Konoshchenok played a central role in a seven-person smuggling ring involving five Russians and two Americans. The group operated under the direction of Russian intelligence services, aiming to acquire restricted US electronics and other goods controlled by US export regulations.

If convicted, Konoshchenok could face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for charges including conspiracy, violation of export controls, smuggling, and money laundering. Andrew Adams from the US Department of Justice stated, “Konoshchenok allegedly provided cutting-edge, American-developed technologies and ammunition to Russia for use in their illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.” Prosecutors also claim that Konoshchenok communicated with his co-conspirators via electronic means, mentioning a 10 percent fee for dealing in controlled items. One of the messages quoted by prosecutors reads, “Can’t do less. Sanctions.”

Konoshchenok’s extradition to the US coincides with Washington’s efforts to negotiate the release of US citizens held by Russia, including Paul Whelan, who was convicted of espionage, and Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter facing espionage charges. The US denies their involvement in spying but has been engaged in discussions to potentially exchange them for Russians currently in US custody.

The recent history of prisoner swaps between the two countries includes the exchange of Viktor Bout, a Russian arms smuggler, for US basketball star Brittney Griner in December of the previous year. In April 2022, Russia released Trevor Reed, a former Marine imprisoned for assaulting Russian police officers, while the US freed a Russian pilot jailed for drug trafficking. Furthermore, the US currently holds Alexander Vinnik, a Russian money launderer extradited from Greece, and Vladimir Dunaev, a malware and ransomware hacker extradited from South Korea. Additionally, the US is seeking the extradition of Sergey Cherkasov, an alleged Russian spy who attended graduate school in Washington under deep cover.

Konoshchenok’s prosecution aligns with the US authorities’ increased efforts to enforce export controls and sanctions designed to impede Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 31.