Man pleads guilty to helping Russia obtain U.S. military-grade electronics

November 4, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

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A soldier holds a military drone during a training exercise. Photo: Natalya/Adobe Stock

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In a Brooklyn federal courtroom on Friday, Vadim Yermolenko, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply U.S.-made electronics to Russia’s defense sector.

The equipment, valued at millions, included dual-use components for radar, surveillance and military research. His actions allegedly helped Russia’s military evade U.S. export controls, as stated in court documents.

Yermolenko’s scheme funneled restricted technology to Russia through shell companies and hidden bank accounts. Prosecutors say more than $12 million passed through accounts he controlled, much of it for military uses.

“To facilitate the Russian war machine, the defendant played a critical role in exporting sensitive, dual-use technologies to Russia, facilitating shipping and the movement of millions of dollars through U.S. financial institutions,” said Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney for the federal court in Brooklyn. “This plea highlights my office and our law enforcement partners’ continued commitment to use all tools available to prosecute those who unlawfully procure U.S. technology to send to Russia.”

Yermolenko moved more than $12 million through these hidden accounts to pay for the electronics, violating U.S. export bans to Russia. In one case, he arranged to ship sniper rifle ammunition, which was intercepted before reaching Russia. His network used Moscow-based companies, reportedly working under Russian intelligence, to smuggle this equipment.

Task Force KleptoCapture, a coalition enforcing Russia-related sanctions after the Ukraine invasion, led the investigation. The Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force also participated, targeting illegal tech procurement by hostile states.

Yermolenko faces up to 30 years in prison. His co-defendant, Alexey Brayman, has also pleaded guilty. Other defendants remain at large or were removed from the U.S. in a prisoner exchange with Russia.