An arms dealer from Kyrgyzstan, Sergei Zharnovnikov, has been charged with conspiring to export firearms from the United States to Russia without the required licenses and for illegal smuggling. The indictment was filed in a federal court in Brooklyn. Zharnovnikov, who traveled from Kyrgyzstan to the U.S., was arrested on January 24, 2025, in Las Vegas while attending the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show.
The announcement of Zharnovnikov's arrest and charges was made by John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Devin DeBacker of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; James E. Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office; and Jonathan Carson of BIS-OEE New York Field Office.
"As alleged, the defendant operated a sophisticated scheme to circumvent export controls and to export semi-automatic firearms and send them to Russia," stated United States Attorney Durham. "Today’s indictment sends a message to the world that we will vigorously enforce statutes that control and restrict the export of items that could be detrimental to the foreign policy or national security of the United States."
Devin DeBacker added: "Violations of export control laws carry significant consequences for perpetrators in the U.S. and abroad." He emphasized that "the Department of Justice is committed to working with our partners to hold accountable those who violate our laws."
FBI Assistant Director Dennehy commented on Zharnovnikov's actions: "Attempting to illegally sell arms to Russia using multiple companies may seem like a method to evade United States sanctions." He noted that such attempts are likely to lead to arrest.
BIS-OEE Special Agent Carson remarked on their commitment: "The Bureau of Industry and Security is committed to aggressively investigating the illegal transshipment of US firearms."
According to court documents, since at least March 2020, Zharnovnikov conspired with others to export firearms listed on the DOC Control List from the U.S. through his company based in Bishkek under contracts with American firms.
Zharnovnikov faces up to 30 years imprisonment if convicted. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Ellen H. Sise alongside Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook from CES.
The case falls under Task Force KleptoCapture's oversight—an initiative targeting sanctions evasion related efforts following Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.
