Ohio airplane parts company, multiple employees, charged in illegal Russian export scheme

A Cincinnati-based airplane production company and three of its employees were charged federally for their alleged involvement in a scheme to illegally transport airplane parts to Russia.

Flighttime Enterprises, Inc. and three of its employees–Daniela Friery, Pavil Iglin and Marat Aysin–were charged on Feb. 13 with one count each of conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), and multiple counts of violating the ECRA.

According to federal prosecutors, the three employees “violated and evaded” export restrictions imposed on sending aviation equipment to Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. They allegedly mislabeled shipments, used intermediary companies and provided false certifications to complete the orders.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

In June of 2022, prosecutors say Flighttime employees negotiated the purchase of an auxiliary power unit from an American supplier. The supplier was hesitant due to the company’s ties to Russia, but employees misled the supplier and said the parts were intended to replenish stock in the United States. The part was later exported to Russia without the proper license.

“We will not tolerate export violations or smuggling of items contrary to U.S. laws to any part of the world, Russia included,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker in a press release “These illicit activities are extremely harmful to our country, regardless of the item that is smuggled.  I am confident in the prosecution bringing accountability to the individuals named in the indictment on behalf of the people of the Southern District of Ohio – but even greater, on behalf of our nation.”

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY