PORTLAND, Ore. (CHATNEWSTV) — An Indian national has been indicted in Oregon for allegedly conspiring to export U.S. aviation technology with both civilian and military applications to Russia, in violation of U.S. export controls. Sanjay Kaushik, 57, was formally charged on Nov. 20 with several counts related to the unlawful export of controlled aerospace components.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Kaushik was arrested in Miami, Florida, on Oct. 17 following an investigation by federal authorities. He faces charges that include attempting to illegally export a navigation and flight control system, known as an Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS), from Oregon to Russia through India, while providing false information about the final destination.
Court documents state that the conspiracy began in March 2023, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prosecutors allege that Kaushik worked with others to acquire controlled aviation components from U.S. suppliers, misrepresenting that they were for his Indian company. Instead, the parts were intended for end users in Russia. In one instance, Kaushik and his co-conspirators falsely claimed that an AHRS device would be used in a civilian helicopter in India, when the true destination was Russia.
“This case highlights our commitment to enforcing export controls that protect U.S. national security,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will continue to pursue those who attempt to circumvent these restrictions.”
If convicted, Kaushik faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each count. A federal judge will determine the final sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in Portland and is part of the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, which targets violations of sanctions and export controls related to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
“Enforcing U.S. export regulations is crucial to safeguarding sensitive technologies from reaching unauthorized users,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the BIS.
The indictment is the latest in a series of legal actions aimed at preventing the illegal transfer of U.S. technology to nations facing sanctions. Task Force KleptoCapture, launched in 2022, coordinates federal efforts to address attempts to sidestep U.S. and international sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s aggression.
Kaushik’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Nyhus for the District of Oregon, along with trial attorneys from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
As with all indictments, it is important to note that an indictment is only an allegation. Kaushik remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
