New Jersey Man Faces 30 Years for Smuggling Electronics to Russia, Violating U.S. Sanctions
Staff Editor New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty in Russian Smuggling Conspiracy
In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to counter Russian military support, Vadim Yermolenko, a New Jersey resident, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to smuggling electronic components to aid Russia’s war effort. Yermolenko now faces up to 30 years in prison for his involvement in a transnational procurement and money laundering network.
The case, which came to light in December 2022, involved the indictment of Yermolenko along with six others. The group was accused of working with Moscow-based companies linked to Russian intelligence to acquire sensitive electronics with dual-use capabilities, violating U.S. sanctions by exporting restricted technology.
The prosecution was coordinated by the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, a specialized unit focused on enforcing sanctions implemented following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the task force’s success in bringing offenders to justice, highlighting the importance of this case in the broader context of U.S. efforts to curtail support for Russian military activities.
Yermolenko’s role in the conspiracy involved setting up shell companies and U.S. bank accounts to facilitate the movement of money and export-controlled goods. His activities extended to involvement in the purchase of sniper bullets, which were intercepted in Estonia.
The case has seen developments among other co-defendants as well. Alexey Brayman, another defendant, previously pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing. In a surprising turn of events, Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected Russian officer who was arrested and extradited to the U.S., was later released as part of a prisoner exchange involving a Wall Street Journal reporter.
As the legal proceedings continue, four other Russian nationals indicted in connection with this case remain at large. The outcome of Yermolenko’s case marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to disrupt networks supporting Russia’s military capabilities through illegal procurement and sanctions evasion.
