Andrey Shevlyakov, an Estonian national, was indicted on 18 charges for his alleged role in helping the Russian government procure US-made electronics.
Shevlyakov was apprehended in Estonia, alongside inbound shipments — one of which contained about 130 kilograms (286 pounds) of radio equipment. There hasn’t been a conviction, but he could spend up to 20 years in prison due to the severity of his crimes.
“For years, Mr. Shevlyakov’s elaborate web of deceit allowed him to allegedly procure sensitive American-made electronics on behalf of the Russian military,” FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge James Smith said in a press release. “His illegal acquisitions of sophisticated U.S. technology endangered citizens in both Ukraine and the United States.”
For years, Andrey supposedly acted as a middleman, running an intricate logistics campaign that included smuggling runs to bring merchandise to Russia despite already being on a government list marking entities that aren’t allowed to export goods from the US without a license. He made the list in 2012 after he was charged with procuring US technology for Russia. He also used a series of aliases and front companies to mask his actions. The press release goes on to cover the items he smuggled as well.
“The items that Shevlyakov purchased included low-noise pre-scalers and synthesizers (used to conduct high-frequency communications) and analog-to-digital converters, which can be found in most defense systems that must respond to environmental conditions, including software-defined radio, avionics, missiles, and electronic warfare systems.”
He also attempted to acquire hacking tools in May 2020, trying to procure antivirus tools for Russia after they repeatedly failed to acquire them themselves.
“As alleged, for more than a decade, the defendant has been acquiring sensitive electronics from U.S. manufacturers on behalf of the Russian government, in defiance of U.S. export controls,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “Our Office will not relent in its efforts to stop those who unlawfully procure U.S. technology for Russia or any other sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals.”