Federal indictments have been filed against Flighttime Enterprises, Inc., an American subsidiary of a Russian aircraft parts supplier, and three of its current and former employees. According to the charges, they are accused of participating in an alleged scheme to illegally export aviation parts from the United States to Russia and Russian airline companies without obtaining the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Illicit Export Scheme Uncovered
This Article Includes
The U.S. Department of Justice has revealed that the individuals accused in this case were fully aware that they were violating the U.S. export restrictions, which were put in place after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to prosecutors, Flighttime Enterprises and its employees knowingly tried to bypass these restrictions by falsely labeling shipments, providing inaccurate certifications, and utilizing intermediary companies to conceal the true destination of the aviation components. These illicit transactions amounted to a total value exceeding $2 million.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker made it clear that the case is of utmost seriousness. He emphasized that the smuggling of items contrary to U.S. laws, including to Russia, will not be tolerated. These illegal activities pose significant harm to our country, regardless of the specific item being smuggled. Parker expressed confidence in the prosecution’s ability to hold the individuals named in the indictment accountable, not only on behalf of the people of the Southern District of Ohio but also on behalf of our nation as a whole.
Defendants and Their Roles
The scheme involves three individuals who have been charged. These individuals are:
-
- Daniela Friery, 43, a naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Loveland, Ohio.
- Pavil Iglin, 46, a Russian citizen living in Florida on a non-immigrant visa.
- Marat Aysin, 39, a legal permanent resident of the United States currently residing in Florida.
Flighttime Enterprises, which had offices near West Chester, Ohio, and Miami, Florida, stands accused in the indictment. The defendants are accused of collaborating to enable the unlawful export of aviation components to Russian end users, which includes airlines that fall under U.S. trade restrictions. The prosecutors have raised serious allegations against them.
In June 2022, an important incident mentioned in the indictment occurred. According to the charges, Flighttime acquired an auxiliary power unit from a U.S. supplier for $395,000. When the supplier expressed concerns about Flighttime’s Russian connections, Aysin deceitfully reassured them that the purchase was intended to replenish the stock at their West Chester facility. Iglin subsequently signed a fraudulent end-user certificate, falsely declaring that the part would not be sent to Russia. However, prosecutors claim that the component was ultimately shipped to a Russian aviation company, thereby violating U.S. export laws.
Potential Consequences
Flighttime Enterprises and its three employees have been indicted on multiple federal charges. Each of them is facing:
-
- One count of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) – punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
- Multiple counts of violating the ECRA, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
- One count of conspiracy to commit smuggling, which carries a potential five-year prison sentence.
- Multiple counts of smuggling, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
- One count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
If the defendants are found guilty on all counts, they could potentially face substantial prison sentences imposed by the federal court for their involvement in the illegal scheme.
Crackdown on Export Violations
The U.S. government’s determination to enforce trade restrictions and prevent sensitive technologies from reaching sanctioned entities is highlighted by this case. The defendants tried to evade export controls, which are in place to limit Russia’s access to crucial aviation components, by using fraudulent documents and deceptive business practices.
Violations of export laws, especially those related to national security concerns, will be prosecuted vigorously, authorities have cautioned.
