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Russian detained in Florida for smuggling US military drone technology

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A Russian national was detained in Florida on charges related to the illicit export of technology useful in military applications, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Denis Postovoy, 44, was arrested in Sarasota for allegedly bypassing U.S. export controls to send microelectronics to Russia, which could be used in drones.

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This technology has significant applications in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where such drones are heavily utilized.

Court documents indicate that since February 2022, Postovoy has been involved in purchasing and exporting these components from U.S. and foreign distributors without the necessary licenses.

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The transactions were reportedly hidden through a network of companies in Russia, Hong Kong, and other locations, misrepresenting the end users and destinations in export documents.

The materials were allegedly routed through countries like Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Estonia, with payments made to Postovoy from abroad. The case highlights the stringent measures the U.S. is taking to prevent sensitive technologies from reaching nations where they may enhance military capabilities.

Homeland Security Investigations is overseeing the probe into Postovoy’s actions. The Russian Embassy acknowledged his arrest but noted that official notification from local authorities has not yet been provided. They are seeking further information to ensure consular and legal support is available to him.

Postovoy’s initial court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19 in Tampa, Florida.

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​​​​​​​[KARAH RUCKER 2 MONITOR]

A RUSSIAN MAN WAS ARRESTED IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA THIS WEEK. HE’S CHARGED WITH SMUGGLING ELECTRONICS USED IN MILITARY DRONES TO RUSSIA, ACCORDING TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DENIS POSTOVOY WAS ARRESTED MONDAY ON CHARGES OF VIOLATING EXPORT LAWS, MONEY LAUNDERING, AND FRAUD. POSTOVOY IS ACCUSED OF LEADING A NETWORK THAT BYPASSED U.S. SANCTIONS TO DELIVER MICROELECTRONICS, CRITICAL FOR DRONE OPERATIONS, FROM THE U.S. TO RUSSIA.

AUTHORITIES ALLEGE THAT SINCE THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE IN FEBRUARY 2022, POSTOVOY UTILIZED COMPANIES ACROSS RUSSIA, HONG KONG, AND OTHER REGIONS TO ILLEGALLY EXPORT THESE COMPONENTS, ESSENTIAL FOR MILITARY APPLICATIONS, WITHOUT THE NECESSARY LICENSES.

THE PARTS, ROUTED THROUGH COUNTRIES LIKE HONG KONG, SWITZERLAND, AND ESTONIA, WERE DISGUISED IN TRANSIT TO EVADE DETECTION, WITH PAYMENTS FLOWING INTO U.S. DOLLAR ACCOUNTS FROM ABROAD.

THE RUSSIAN EMBASSY RESPONDED, SAYING THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED FORMAL NOTIFICATION OF POSTOVOY’S DETENTION AND ARE SEEKING INFORMATION FROM THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT. THEY PLAN TO PROVIDE POSTOVOY WITH THE NECESSARY LEGAL ASSISTANCE.

POSTOVOY’S INITIAL COURT APPEARANCE IS SET FOR SEPTEMBER 19TH IN TAMPA.

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