An alleged Russian intelligence operative named Vadim Konoschenok entered a not guilty plea on Friday to allegations of transporting US-made equipment and weaponry to Russia to aid in its conflict with Ukraine.
At a hearing in federal court in Brooklyn, Konoschenok, who had been extradited from Estonia, admitted guilt. Konoschenok was mandated to be held in custody until trial by US Magistrate Judge Ramon Reyes because he posed a flight risk.
No matter where you are in the world, if you break US export controls or avoid US sanctions, we will not rest until you face justice, said Breon Peace, the US Attorney in Brooklyn, underscoring the dedication to achieving justice for those who do so.
The American attorney Sabrina Shroff who is defending Konoschenok refuses to comment on the situation. A request for response was also ignored by the Russian embassy in Washington.
Prosecutors claim that Konoschenok, 48, was stopped by Estonian authorities in October 2022 as he tried to enter Russia.
He was discovered to be in possession of 35 different kinds of semiconductors and electronic parts, some of which were restricted from export by the US.
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Alleged Smuggling And Sanctions Evasion In US-Russia Conflict
Konoschenok mentioned collecting a 10% fee for dealing in banned substances in electronic correspondence with co-conspirators, justifying the cost by saying, “Can’t do less. Sanctions.”
The US government has been stepping up its efforts to impose export controls and sanctions aimed at Moscow’s military efforts in Ukraine.
Konoschenok’s case, which dates back to September when he was first indicted, comes at a time when these measures have been stepped up.
In order to prevent Russian aggression in the region, the United States has been making strong efforts to stop the transfer of military hardware, technology, and other resources.
Konoschenok’s subsequent court hearing is set on July 31 as the case develops. Further developments in the case, such as the prospective presentation of evidence, legal contentions, and judgments regarding the trial’s direction, will be possible at this hearing.
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Source: Reuters.com