Electronics Brokers Arrested for Supporting Russian Missile Program
Three individuals, Nikolay Goltsev, Salimdzhon Nasriddinov, and Kristina Puzyreva, using multiple company names; Electronic Network in Canada, SN Electronics, Inc., and SH Brothers Group both in New York, have been charged with conspiracy and related charges.
They are accused of participating in a global procurement scheme on behalf of sanctioned Russian entities, including those associated with the Russian military. Electronic components and integrated circuits shipped by the defendants have been discovered in seized Russian weapons platforms and signals intelligence equipment used in Ukraine. Nasriddinov, a Brooklyn resident, was arrested as well as Goltsev and Puzyreva who were arrested in Manhattan during a visit to New York to coordinate with Nasriddinov.
Evading Sanctions
The defendants are accused of evading sanctions by shipping equipment crucial for precision-guided Russian weapons systems to Russia, some of which has already been used against Ukraine. They allegedly utilized corporate entities registered in Brooklyn to source, purchase, and ship millions of dollars in dual-use electronics from U.S. manufacturers to sanctioned Russian end users.
The electronic components they shipped were of significant concern due to their role in advanced Russian precision-guided weapons systems. It appears as though the defendants were aware of the military applications of these electronics. In an intercepted message, Nasriddinov wrote to Goltsev, “Happy Defender of the Fatherland,” referring to the holiday in Russia celebrating those who served in the armed forces. Goltsev responded, “Happy holiday to you too my friend, we are defending it in the way that we can [smile emoji].”
“Over the course of a year, this criminal organization evaded U.S. sanctions and laws, managing to dispatch over 300 shipments of restricted items, valued at approximately $7 million USD, to the Russian battlefield. This unlawful activity would have persisted if not for the law enforcement collaborative efforts that led to today’s charges,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New York. “This case, once again, shows the willingness of Russia to ignore the laws of the United States, using illegal procurement networks to provide for their military.” said James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, FBI.
Enforcing Sanctions
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. These actions were coordinated through government agencies’ efforts to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent the acquisition of critical technology by authoritarian regimes and hostile nations. Task Force KleptoCapture is dedicated to enforcing sanctions and export restrictions in response to Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. To read the official announcement from the Department of Justice click here.
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