**Kyrgyz Citizen Pleads Guilty to Illegally Exporting US Firearms to Russia**
A 46-year-old citizen of Kyrgyzstan, Sergei Zharnovnikov, has pleaded guilty in a New York federal court to conspiring to illegally export US-made firearms to Russia and smuggling. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the news on June 25.
According to officials, Zharnovnikov, who owns an arms company based in Bishkek, conspired to export US firearms to Russia starting in March 2020. Despite a restriction on re-exporting these weapons to Russia, he allegedly sent semi-automatic hybrid rifle-pistols to Russia via Kyrgyzstan without proper permits. Shipping records show the weapons left JFK Airport in July 2022.
The defendant signed a $900,000 contract with a US company to send the firearms to Kyrgyzstan, using a Department of Commerce export license that specifically banned re-exporting to Russia. The total value of the exported firearms and ammunition was over $1.5 million.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to enforcing laws and regulations related to the export of lethal weapons,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. “We will not tolerate merchants who flout US sanctions.”
**Consequences**
Zharnovnikov faces up to 20 years in prison upon sentencing.
**Commentary**
The case highlights the importance of enforcing laws and regulations related to the export of lethal weapons. It also underscores the need for countries to strengthen their export control systems to prevent the unauthorized re-exporting of sensitive technologies, including firearms.
**Context**
The news comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high. The two countries have been locked in a conflict since 2014, with the latest full-scale invasion by Russian forces occurring in February 2022.
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