The U.S. has charged five Russians and two of its own with money laundering on behalf of Moscow
The U.S. has charged five Russians and two Americans with conspiracy related to money-laundering on behalf of Russia.
The justice department says they were suspected of trying to obtain military-grade and dual use technologies from U.S. firms.
“With three of the defendants now in custody, we have disrupted the procurement network allegedly used by the defendants and Russian intelligence services to smuggle sniper rifle ammunition and sensitive electronic components into Russia.”
US Attorney General, Merrick Garland
It’s understood the tech was then meant to be used for Russia’s defence sector.
They are also believed to have smuggled sniper ammunition, which is in violation of U.S. sanctions.
Among those charges is a prominent officer from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).
Three of the group remain in custody, while four still remain at large.
