A Russian national has been extradited from Sweden to Albany to face federal charges that he helped move U.S. microelectronic components to Russia through a Hong Kong company. Alexander Suvorov, 52, was transferred to the Northern District of New York on Oct. 15, according to a Justice Department news release.
Federal prosecutors charged Suvorov by criminal complaint with three conspiracy counts involving alleged exports and payments. Prosecutors said on Oct. 15 that his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Evangelista was scheduled for the next day in Albany.
The complaint alleges that from about March 2022 through April 2023, Suvorov led a procurement network that sought dual-use U.S. electronic components for Russian end users. Dual-use components have civilian and military applications. Some of the items allegedly shipped could be used in military communications, radar and precision-location systems, prosecutors said.
According to the complaint, Suvorov maintained Hong Kong front companies, including GS Group Limited. The companies allegedly ordered components from U.S. sellers without disclosing the Russian end users, then routed the goods through Hong Kong to Russia. Suvorov and his companies also allegedly sent wire payments to U.S. companies for the components.
The complaint charges conspiracy to commit international promotional money laundering, conspiracy to commit outbound smuggling and conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act. The first and third counts each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years; the smuggling count carries a five-year maximum. The stated maximum fines are $500,000, $250,000 and $1 million, respectively, with up to three years of supervised release on each count. Any sentence would depend on a conviction and a judge's assessment under applicable law and sentencing guidelines.
The FBI and the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security are investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss and Justice Department National Security Division attorney Garrett Coyle are prosecuting. The department's Office of International Affairs arranged the extradition with Swedish authorities.
John Sarcone III, the Northern District's first assistant U.S. attorney, called the extradition a sign that his office would pursue sanctions-evasion cases across borders. FBI Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said the case involved international law-enforcement cooperation.
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