Andrew Pogosyan, a 68-year-old American citizen born in Russia and currently residing in Madison, has admitted to federal court that he was involved in a conspiracy to deceive the United States and smuggle goods from the country.
The United States has strict rules regarding the export of goods, technology, and software. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) implemented specific export control measures on February 24, 2022.
These measures prohibited the export of certain items to Russia without prior approval from BIS. On September 16, these measures were expanded to include licensing requirements for items that could be used in the production of chemical and biological weapons. Violating these export controls is a federal offense under the Export Control Reform Act.
In court records and during the trial, it was disclosed that Pogosyan, through his company Omega Diagnostics LLC, commenced and continued to violate and circumvent the export restrictions imposed on Russia in September 2022, until October 2023.
He exported components of scientific and diagnostic research equipment to Russia without the necessary licenses, utilizing intermediary countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Latvia, and Lithuania to conceal their ultimate destination.
Specifically, he engaged in a scheme with Russian companies and individuals in Russia to export controlled items from the United States to Russia. Despite being aware of the licensing requirements, Pogosyan exported controlled items without obtaining the necessary license.
Pogosyan faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for his role in the conspiracy, and a maximum sentence of 10 years for each violation of smuggling laws.
