Drone technology smuggling: Russian man charged in US

The man was arrested in Florida for smuggling drone-related technology to Russia.

U.S. authorities allege the man exported military components following the Ukraine invasion.

A Russian national has been arrested in Florida on charges of illegally exporting drone-related technology to Russia. Authorities allege that 44-year-old Denis Postovoy, residing in Sarasota, smuggled microelectronic components with military applications to Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Postovoy is accused of violating US law by shipping technology that could enhance Russia’s military capabilities in the conflict. The Department of Justice stated that the exported components are used in drones and have dual-use potential for military purposes.

To conceal his activities, Postovoy allegedly worked through a network of companies in Russia and Hong Kong. He is said to have purchased the components from US distributors and sent them to intermediary locations before reaching Russia.

While the Russian embassy has acknowledged Postovoy’s detention, it noted no official communication from US law enforcement regarding the arrest has been received.