American arrest uncovers illicit tech pipeline to Russia
Sanctions have partially cut Russia off from Western electronics. As a result, the Russian industry has to acquire various components illegally, and Western-manufactured elements can still be found in Russian weaponry. One of the organizers of the entire operation was arrested in the United States.
The American Department of Justice released a communiqué about the arrest of Denis Postovoi, a Russian resident of Florida. The reason for the arrest was the organization of an international network of firms by the Russian, through which electronic components essential for the production of combat drones were being sent to Russia.
According to the Americans, Denis Postovoi exported electronics from the USA to recipients in Hong Kong and Switzerland. In reality, these entities were intermediaries in the transmission of American electronics to Russia.
"The defendant illegally exported dual-use technology to Russia, which could enhance its war capabilities against Ukraine. [Postovoi] lied about the final destination of the technology he was sending and used intermediate destinations to mask the illegal activity," said an American prosecutor.
American parts in Russian weapons
The arrest of Postovoi explains why American components were repeatedly found in Russian weapons. Parts from the USA were found in Iskander-K missiles, and an analysis of Kh-101 cruise missiles revealed that Western (not only American) parts are critically important for their proper operation.
Western parts are also used to produce Lancet loitering ammunition, which has targeted, among others, Krab self-propelled howitzers supplied to Ukraine. Western parts – 75% of which are American – have also been identified in KN-23 ballistic missiles supplied to Russia by North Korea.
