New York Man Sentenced to 4 Years For Exporting Night-Vision and Thermal-Imaging Devices Worth $100k+ to Russia

PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Anton Perevoznikov, 34, of Brooklyn, NY, was sentenced to 4 years in prison, and 3 years of supervised release. by United States District Court Judge Joel H. Slomsky for his participation in a conspiracy to unlawfully export night-vision goggles and thermal-imaging devices to buyers in Russia.

In October 2018, the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of a federal Indictment charging him with conspiracy to unlawfully export defense articles. Between February 2011 and November 2013, the defendant conspired with three Russian co-conspirators to export technologically sensitive imaging devices from the United States without first obtaining from the Department of State the required license or written authorization for such exports. Perevoznikov also purchased night vision equipment from a United States vendor while acknowledging formally, in writing, that he understood that the items he was purchasing were legally precluded from export and by falsely affirming that he did not intend to export those items. The defendant’s Russian co-conspirators sent him wire transfers so that he could, in turn, purchase more than 30 pieces of night-vision and thermal-imaging devices worth over $100,000. On shipping documents, the defendant provided false descriptions of these regulated articles, including “case box,” “case for camera,” “camera and soft case,” “photo camera,” “camcorder,” and “jacket”.

“Individuals who seek to profit by unlawfully obtaining and exporting items designated by the United States as articles important to our national defense will be prosecuted with the full weight of the federal justice system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “It is important that we take all necessary steps to prevent our military technology from being exported and possibly used against our service members and our allies overseas.”

"Perevoznikov admitted to a conspiracy to export night-vision goggles and thermal imaging devices to buyers in Russia, all of which can pose a threat to national security," said Brian Michael, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. "HSI Philadelphia's resolve to keep Americans safe is present in each arrest of those criminals seeking to make a profit while threatening the safety of our country."

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas R. Perricone.