Two Virginia businessmen and their company face federal charges for allegedly smuggling US technology to Russia by circumventing export restrictions.
Eleview International Inc, a Virginia-based freight forwarding company, and two of its executives, Oleg Nayandin and Vitaliy Borisenko, are accused of illegally exporting sensitive American technology to Russia.
According to federal authorities, the scheme involved shipping goods through intermediary countries to bypass export controls imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
- Defendants: Nayandin, 54, from Fairfax, Virginia, is Eleview’s owner, president, and CEO. Borisenko, 39, from Vienna, Virginia, managed daily operations for the company.
- Charge: Both are charged with conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
Authorities claim Eleview and its executives devised three separate schemes to funnel restricted technology to Russia by first shipping items through Turkey, Finland, and Kazakhstan.
Each scheme had a distinct process to hide the shipments’ true destinations.
The Turkey Scheme
- Goods Shipped: About $1.48 million in telecommunications equipment.
- Process: The defendants allegedly listed a false end user in Turkey as the recipient, knowing the equipment was intended for a Russian telecommunications company that works with the Russian government, including the Federal Security Service (FSB).
- Military Application: This equipment could support the Russian military’s communication networks, aiding its war efforts in Ukraine.
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The Finland Scheme
- Goods Shipped: Approximately $3.45 million in “high priority” technology, including components used in Russian drones.
- Process: The defendants allegedly sent packages to a fake recipient in Finland. To ensure smooth delivery to Russia, they labeled each package with a Russian postal tracking number before shipping to Finland.
- Military Use: Some of the electronic components matched those found in Russian drones deployed against Ukrainian targets.
The Kazakhstan Scheme
- Goods Shipped: About $1.47 million in controlled “dual-use” items with potential military applications.
- Process: The shipments went through an entity in Kazakhstan that specializes in delivering goods to Russia, bypassing export restrictions.
Each of these schemes allegedly relied on false statements to the Department of Commerce and other logistics companies, concealing the true end users in Russia.
Statements from Federal Officials
Federal authorities are emphasizing the seriousness of the case, linking the alleged actions to national security risks. Here’s what key officials had to say:
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said:
“U.S. companies are responsible for complying with laws that protect our national security. The National Security Division is committed to holding accountable individuals and companies who violate these laws and place financial profit over our collective security.”
Broader Efforts Against Export Violations
This case is part of a larger initiative by federal agencies to prevent sensitive US technology from reaching adversarial countries. It involves coordinated efforts between multiple agencies and interagency task forces:
- Disruptive Technology Strike Force: Co-led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Commerce, this force focuses on stopping illicit actors from acquiring critical technology.
- Task Force KleptoCapture: This interagency task force enforces sanctions and export restrictions imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
These initiatives underscore the U.S. government’s focus on securing supply chains and preventing sensitive technologies from being used against American interests.
The Potential Penalties
If found guilty, Nayandin and Borisenko face up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge based on US Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
For now, the charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Protecting National Security Through Export Controls
This case reflects a broader trend in U.S. policy, where export controls are increasingly used as tools for national security. As global tensions rise, the United States is cracking down on companies and individuals who seek to bypass these regulations.
The enforcement of these controls is critical, as technology with military applications could potentially be used against U.S. forces or allies. With sophisticated methods like transshipping through multiple countries, cases like this highlight the lengths to which some will go in pursuit of profit, even at the risk of national security.
By staying vigilant and holding violators accountable, the U.S. government aims to prevent further misuse of sensitive technology in conflicts worldwide.
