MADISON, Wis. (WTVO) — A Madison man has pleaded guilty to smuggling scientific laboratory equipment to Russia.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Andrew Pogosyan, 68, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and smuggling goods from the United States.
The DOJ said Pogosyan is a U.S. Citizen who was born in Russia.
“Mr. Pogosyan threatened the national security of the United States by violating sanctions and illegally exporting scientific laboratory equipment to companies in Russia,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “The FBI continues to tirelessly work with our law enforcement partners to investigate anyone who helps foreign adversaries evade sanctions. Pogosyan’s actions undermined the protections put in place to ensure U.S. national security.”
According to the DOJ, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Securtiy implemented export controls in 2022, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, specifically on items that could be useful to Russia’s chemical and biological weapon production capabilities.
Authorities said Pogosyan, via his company, Omega Diagnostics, LLC, exported scientific and diagnostic research equipment to Russia illegally, through third-party countries, to conceal the ultimate destination.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7th.
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