An alleged Russian intelligence official accused by the United States of smuggling electronic materials and munitions into Russia that could help in the war against Ukraine has been extradited from Estonia, federal prosecutors said Friday, citing Reuters.
Vadim Konoshchenok, 48, was flown to the United States and is expected to make his first appearance in federal court in Brooklyn on Friday. Prosecutors ask to leave him in custody until the trial, as they believe that he can hide.
Konoshchenok was detained by Estonian authorities in October 2022 when he tried to import 35 types of semiconductors and electronic components into Russia, some of which are subject to US export controls, prosecutors said.
The official said in emails that he charges a 10 percent commission for smuggling. He was first charged last September as US officials sought to tighten export controls and sanctions to thwart Moscow’s war effort.