Security News > 2023 > April > Estonian National Charged in U.S. for Acquiring Electronics and Metasploit Pro for Russian Military

An Estonian national has been charged in the U.S. for purchasing U.S.-made electronics on behalf of the Russian government and military.

Court documents allege that Shevlyakov operated front companies that were used to import sensitive electronics from U.S. manufacturers.

The goods were then shipped to Russia, bypassing export restrictions.

Although Shevlyakov was placed in Entity List in 2012 by the U.S. government for acting as a procurement agent for Russia, he is said to have used "False names and a web of front companies" to sidestep the regulations and run an "Intricate logistics operation involving frequent smuggling trips across the Russian border."

Shevlyakov is estimated to have exported at least $800,000 worth of items from U.S. electronics manufacturers and distributors between about October 2012 and January 2022 through his shell companies like Yaxart, Anmarna, and Marnik.

"As alleged, for more than a decade, the defendant has been acquiring sensitive electronics from U.S. manufacturers on behalf of the Russian government, in defiance of U.S. export controls," U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said.

News URL

https://thehackernews.com/2023/04/estonian-national-charged-in-us-for.html