Vadim Yermolenko Admits Role in Transnational Effort to Send Sensitive U.S. Electronics to Russia
A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty in a federal court to charges of conspiracy and bank fraud in connection with a smuggling network intended to support Russia’s military capabilities, according to officials. Vadim Yermolenko, 43, faces up to 30 years in prison for his part in a transnational scheme to illegally procure U.S. technology on behalf of Russian intelligence and military services.
Dual Citizen Among Seven Indicted in Smuggling Conspiracy
Yermolenko, a U.S.-Russian dual citizen from Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, was one of seven people indicted in December 2022 for allegedly smuggling electronic components that could aid Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. The Department of Justice claims Yermolenko and his co-conspirators partnered with two Moscow-based firms controlled by Russian intelligence to secure U.S. electronic components with potential applications in nuclear, hypersonic, and quantum technologies.
Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn, said in a statement that Yermolenko’s actions violated U.S. sanctions against Russia. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the broader impact, stating that Yermolenko’s conviction adds to “nearly two dozen other criminals” held accountable for supporting Russian aggression.
Smuggling Network Facilitated by Shell Companies and Bank Accounts
Prosecutors allege that Yermolenko used shell companies and U.S.-based bank accounts to facilitate the flow of funds and restricted goods. One such transaction involved the purchase of export-controlled sniper bullets intended for Russia, which were intercepted in Estonia before being smuggled into Russia.
Task Force KleptoCapture Leads Coordination of Sanctions Enforcement
The Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, formed in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, coordinated the investigation. This interagency task force is dedicated to enforcing sanctions against Russia and prosecuting those aiding the nation’s military operations.
Co-Defendants and Other Key Players
Yermolenko’s co-defendants include Alexey Brayman, a New Hampshire resident who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and awaits sentencing. Another alleged conspirator, Vadim Konoshchenok, believed to be an officer with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), was extradited from Estonia and subsequently released in a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange involving journalist Evan Gershkovich.
Four other co-defendants named in the indictment remain at large and are believed to reside in Russia.
Penalties and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Yermolenko’s sentencing is expected to conclude in the coming months. In addition to facing a potential 30-year prison sentence, his conviction highlights the U.S. government’s continued commitment to enforcing strict sanctions and prosecuting individuals who aid hostile foreign governments in circumventing export restrictions.
