Americans arrested for allegedly sending aviation technology to Russia - US official

The US Commerce Department is working with the FBI and Justice Department prosecutors, according to a Commerce Department official.

The Department of Commerce building is seen before an expected report of new home sales numbers in Washington, US, January 26, 2022. (photo credit: REUTERS/JOSHUA ROBERTS)
The Department of Commerce building is seen before an expected report of new home sales numbers in Washington, US, January 26, 2022.
(photo credit: REUTERS/JOSHUA ROBERTS)

Two Americans were arrested in Kansas City for allegedly sending US aviation technology to Russia in violation of US export controls, US Commerce Department official Matthew Axelrod said on Thursday.

When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the US and other countries implemented export controls to restrict Russia's access to technologies and other items that could support its war machine.

The controls target Russia’s defense, aerospace, and maritime sectors, and were expanded to include Russia’s oil refining, industrial, and commercial sectors, and luxury goods.

FBI headquarters building is seen in Washington, US, December 7, 2018. (credit: REUTERS/YURI GRIPAS/FILE PHOTO)
FBI headquarters building is seen in Washington, US, December 7, 2018. (credit: REUTERS/YURI GRIPAS/FILE PHOTO)

Axelrod discloses arrests at American Bar Association event in Miami

Axelrod, the assistant secretary of commerce for export enforcement, disclosed the arrests at an American Bar Association event in Miami, Florida.

He did not provide details on the arrests but said the Commerce Department was working with the FBI and Justice Department prosecutors.