Russian National Arrested in US for Smuggling Drone Technology to Russia

A Russian national living in Sarasota, Florida, was arrested on Monday, September 16, on charges of smuggling, money laundering, and illegally exporting technology to Russia that could be used in drone production.

This was reported by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). 

Denis Postovoy, 44 years old, is accused of acquiring and illegally exporting microelectronic components with military applications to Russia, which could be used in drone technology.

“According to the indictment, this defendant illegally exported dual-use technology to Russia that could bolster its capabilities to wage its unprovoked war against Ukraine,” said US Attorney Graves. “As alleged, he lied about the final destination for the technology he was shipping and used intermediary destinations to mask this illegal activity. Fortunately, our skilled law enforcement partners at HSI and our dedicated attorneys unraveled the plot.”

Postovoy allegedly operated through a network of companies that he own or operate in Russia, Hong Kong and elsewhere to purchase components from US distributors and ship them to Russia using intermediary destinations to conceal the shipments' final destination, the DOJ said.