Russian national Denis Postovoy has been arrested in the US on suspicion of violating export restrictions, smuggling, money laundering, and fraud, according to the US Department of Justice.
Postovoy is 44 years old and resides in Sarasota, Florida. According to US authorities, since February 2022, the Russian national has been purchasing and illegally exporting dual-use microelectronics from the US to Russia, which can be used to manufacture drones.
The components were purchased through a network of companies managed by Postovoy in Russia, Hong Kong, and other countries. Specifically, these include Hong Kong-based companies WowCube HK Limited, JST Group Hong Kong, Jove HK Limited, and the Russian Vector Group. Deliveries to Russia were made through intermediate points, including Hong Kong and Switzerland.
The Russian Embassy in the US has not yet received official notification of Postovoy's detention. The diplomatic mission has requested information about the Russian national's whereabouts and intends to contact him to provide the necessary consular and legal assistance.
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