An Indian national has been charged with conspiracy to export US aviation components to Russia

A high-stakes game of international intrigue unfolded when Sanjay Kaushik, a 57-year-old Indian national, was arrested in the United States for allegedly conspiring to export sensitive US aviation technology to Russia.
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November 22, 2024, MIAMI, FL — Federal investigators revealed this week that Sanjay Kaushik, 57, an Indian national, has been charged with conspiring to illegally export restricted U.S. aircraft components with dual civilian and military applications to Russian companies. According to the indictment, which was submitted to the District of Oregon, Kaushik attempted to violate U.S. export regulations by shipping cutting-edge aircraft technology to Russia.

On October 17, 2024, Kaushik was taken into custody in Miami after the District of Oregon issued an arrest warrant and filed a criminal complaint. His alleged involvement in a plot to unlawfully transfer flight control and navigation equipment to Russia through India is the basis for the allegations. In relation to the attempted export, he is also charged with lying to American officials.

Alleged scheme to evade export controls

The allegations against Kaushik include a scheme that began in March 2023, just after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kaushik is accused of collaborating with others to unlawfully procure US-made aeronautical items and technology for Russian military and commercial purposes. According to court records, the products were acquired under the false pretext that they would be sent to Kaushik’s Indian firm, while they were actually intended for Russian end customers.

Kaushik and his co-conspirators fraudulently obtained an Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) for civilian use in helicopters, despite the US Department of Commerce licensing requirements. They falsely claimed the AHRS would be used for flight control information, evading legal requirements for export to countries like Russia.

The AHRS was held before it could be transported, preventing an unlawful transfer to Russia.

Penalties and Legal Process

If convicted on all allegations, Kaushik could face up to 20 years in jail and a $1 million punishment per offense. A federal district court judge will determine the ultimate sentence based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant legal circumstances.

The case is being prosecuted by the Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Nyhus of the District of Oregon, as well as trial attorneys Joshua E. Kurland and Dallas J. Kaplan of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of Portland, Oregon, headed the investigation.

The US government’s resolute stance in this instance shows that it is dedicated to upholding export regulations and halting the transfer of critical technology to hostile countries. 

It is essential to understand that an indictment is only an allegation, and Kaushik is deemed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The judicial process will determine whether he is held accountable for the allegations brought against him.

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