Douglas Edward Robertson, a 56-year-old man from Olathe, Kansas, pleaded guilty to illegally exporting technology to Russia as the former vice president of Kan Rus Trading Company, Inc. Robertson admitted to conspiring with others from 2020 to his arrest in March 2023 to smuggle U.S.-origin avionics equipment to end users in Russia and other countries. This involved falsifying export forms and failing to file required forms with the U.S. government. The Justice Department emphasized the importance of upholding export controls to protect critical U.S. technology and deter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Robertson faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy, 20 years for each of two counts related to the Export Control Reform Act, and 20 years for money laundering. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 3. Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen stated that the Justice Department will not tolerate those undermining export controls.
The Justice Department’s full news release on Robertson’s guilty plea can be found on their website. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat illegal technology exports and the seriousness of violating U.S. export laws. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals face for engaging in such illegal activities.
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