Russian involved in smuggling dual-use goods for RF admitted guilt
Photo: Russian citizen who smuggles dual-purpose goods for the Russian Federation has pleaded guilty (GettyImages)
Maxim Marchenko admitted his guilt in the procurement of dual-use goods for delivery to Russia, according to the US Department of Justice.
On February 29, 51-year-old Maxim Marchenko, a Russian citizen residing in Hong Kong, pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering and smuggling goods from the United States. Marchenko was arrested in September 2023.
"By his own admission, Mr. Marchenko conspired to smuggle military-grade technology to Russia, using a complex network of front companies to hide his illicit activity. Today, once again, the Justice Department is holding accountable those who would enable the Kremlin and its unjust war of aggression against Ukraine," said Matthew J. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division of the Department of Justice.
Prosecutor Damian Williams stated that Marchenko admitted to the illegitimate acquisition of US-manufactured military-grade microelectronics for delivery to end-users in Russia.
"Marchenko concealed his scheme to funnel these microelectronics – which had application for use in rifle scopes, night-vision goggles, thermal optics and other weapons systems – by using shell companies and other elaborate money laundering techniques. Today’s guilty plea should send a strong message to those who attempt to break the law by supplying Russia with US military technology that this office will vigorously pursue such smuggling schemes and hold those involved to full account," stated Williams.
Maxim Marchenko's charges
In September 2023, Russian national Maxim Marchenko was arrested in the United States. He was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, as well as crimes related to smuggling and money laundering.
