Sarasota resident arrested for trying to aid Russia in war against Ukraine, DOJ says

WASHINGTON (WFLA) — A Russian citizen living in Sarasota was arrested Monday for allegedly sending electronics from the U.S. to Russia to assist in the country’s war on Ukraine, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Denis Postovoy, 44, allegedly illegally exported “microelectronic components” that could be used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones after Russia invaded Ukraine, according to the DOJ.

Postovoy “illegally exported dual-use technology to Russia that could bolster its capabilities to wage its unprovoked war against Ukraine,” U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said in a statement. “As alleged, he lied about the final destination for the technology he was shipping and used intermediary destinations to mask this illegal activity.”

Postovoy allegedly shipped items destined for Russia through Hong Kong, Switzerland and other places and was paid in U.S. dollars from foreign bank accounts, prosecutors said.

The indictment alleges that Postovoy didn’t have the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce to export the goods.

He was charged with conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act, to commit smuggling, to commit money laundering, and to defraud the United States, according to the DOJ.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.