NYC Gazette

Earlier today in a Brooklyn federal court, Vadim Yermolenko, who holds both U.S. and Russian citizenship, admitted guilt to charges related to a scheme involving the illegal procurement of sensitive electronics for Russian military and intelligence services. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez. Yermolenko could face up to 30 years in prison.

The announcement of the guilty plea was made by several officials, including Merrick B. Garland, United States Attorney General; Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI's New York Field Office; Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge at the Office of Export Enforcement within the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), US Department of Commerce; and Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge at IRS-CI New York.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated: “This defendant joins the nearly two dozen other criminals that our Task Force KleptoCapture has brought to justice in American courtrooms over the past two and a half years for enabling Russia’s military aggression.” He added that Yermolenko played "a central role" in smuggling ammunition and military-grade equipment into Russia.

United States Attorney Peace emphasized the commitment to prosecuting those who unlawfully procure U.S. technology for Russia: “To facilitate the Russian war machine, the defendant played a critical role in exporting sensitive, dual-use technologies to Russia."

FBI Assistant Director Dennehy remarked on Yermolenko's actions: “As he admitted today, Vadim Yermolenko took part in a conspiracy to evade U.S. sanctions and assist the Russian war machine by unlawfully purchasing and exporting highly sensitive, export controlled electronic components.”

Jonathan Carson from BIS noted: “Yermolenko and his illicit network supported Russian intelligence services in attempting to procure sensitive American technology.”

Thomas M. Fattorusso highlighted Yermolenko's use of shell companies: “Whether it was from misplaced foreign allegiance or pure greed, Yermolenko aided Russia’s military and intelligence agencies."

Court documents revealed that Yermolenko was linked with Serniya Engineering and Sertal LLC—Moscow-based firms working under Russian intelligence direction—to acquire advanced electronics for military applications. These companies used global networks of shell companies to hide their activities.

Yermolenko's co-defendant Alexey Brayman has also pleaded guilty but awaits sentencing. Other defendants remain at large or have been involved in diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Russia.

The prosecution is managed by various sections within the Justice Department focusing on national security and cybercrime issues.