A Madison business owner has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the illegal export of scientific equipment to Russia. Andrew Pogosyan, 68, entered his plea in U.S. District Court in Madison, admitting to conspiracy to defraud the United States and smuggling goods from the country. Judge William M. Conley accepted the plea and set sentencing for October 7, 2025.
According to Acting United States Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma, “Today’s plea is the culmination of the outstanding work by our law enforcement partners. As part of our on-going commitment to protecting national security, this office will hold accountable those who violate export control laws.”
FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle commented on the case: “Mr. Pogosyan threatened the national security of the United States by violating sanctions and illegally exporting scientific laboratory equipment to companies in Russia. The FBI continues to tirelessly work with our law enforcement partners to investigate anyone who helps foreign adversaries evade sanctions. Pogosyan’s actions undermined the protections put in place to ensure U.S. national security.”
The U.S. government enforces regulations on exports of certain goods, technology, and software, especially since February 24, 2022, when new controls were introduced following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These rules prohibit specific exports without a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security and were further expanded on September 16, 2022, covering items that could support chemical or biological weapons production.
Court documents show that from around September 2022 through October 2023, Pogosyan used his company Omega Diagnostics, LLC to send scientific and diagnostic research equipment components from the United States to Russia without required licenses. He did so by routing shipments through countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Latvia, and Lithuania in an effort to hide their final destination. Authorities said Pogosyan worked with Russian-based businesses and individuals despite knowing about licensing requirements.
If convicted at sentencing on all counts, Pogosyan faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy and up to ten years for each smuggling charge.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security Office of Export Enforcement; and Homeland Security Investigations at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The case is being prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma along with Trial Attorney Christopher Cook from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
