In a major case that has captured global attention, Sergei Zharnovnikov, a 46-year-old arms dealer from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, has admitted in a New York federal court to illegally exporting American firearms to Russia in violation of U.S. law. The illegal shipments, totaling over $1.5 million in weapons and ammunition, were carried out without proper government licenses and smuggled through John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Zharnovnikov, who appeared before the Eastern District Court of New York, pleaded guilty to charges related to export control violations. According to court records, he operated a company based in Kyrgyzstan—identified as Kyrgyzstan Company-1—that acted as a front for smuggling weapons originally meant for legal shipment, then secretly redirected to Russia.
Federal officials say he faces up to 20 years in prison for orchestrating the smuggling operation.
“This is a clear case of someone knowingly bypassing strict U.S. export laws to move military-grade weapons into a country under sanctions,” said John A. Eisenberg, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “These laws are in place to protect national and international safety.”
International Arms Dealer Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export Firearms to Russia https://t.co/xro81af0vc
— US Attorney EDNY (@EDNYnews) June 25, 2025
How the Gun Smuggling Scheme Unfolded
The investigation showed that Zharnovnikov started working with U.S. gun suppliers in early 2020. He bought powerful firearms, including semi-automatic hybrid rifle-pistols. He claimed the weapons were going to Kyrgyzstan. One major deal was struck with a U.S. manufacturer—referred to in legal documents as U.S. Company-1—for a long-term supply agreement valued at $900,000.
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The U.S. Department of Commerce granted a license for these weapons to be shipped to Kyrgyzstan but made it explicitly clear: no re-exporting to Russia was allowed. Despite that warning, the firearms were sent to Kyrgyzstan and then illegally forwarded to Russia through a hidden supply route.
A major clue surfaced when Russian customs records listed the same weapons delivered under Zharnovnikov’s contract. A Russian company’s director signed a document in November 2022. It confirmed that U.S.-made weapons had reached Russia. This was a clear violation of U.S. export laws and international trade rules.
According to prosecutors, Zharnovnikov never sought or received the required licenses for such a re-export. By bypassing official procedures, he breached international trade agreements and U.S. national security laws.
Zharnovnikov’s Arrest at a U.S. Gun Show
Zharnovnikov’s arrest came shortly after he entered the United States in January 2025 to attend the annual Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas. This event, one of the largest firearms exhibitions in the world, often draws global arms dealers and manufacturers.
While he was on U.S. soil, law enforcement authorities acted swiftly. Backed by evidence gathered over several years, federal agents arrested him for his involvement in the multi-million-dollar smuggling operation.
The case was led by the FBI’s New York Field Office in partnership with the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security’s Office of Export Enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, who helped prosecute the case, said the charges are very serious. He explained that Zharnovnikov’s actions broke U.S. laws meant to control global arms transfers. Nocella said the guilty plea shows how strong investigations can stop illegal arms deals. He added that it took tireless work from many people to hold Zharnovnikov accountable.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen H. Sise, along with Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook from the National Security Division, led the legal proceedings with the support of Litigation Analyst Rebecca Roth.
The case now moves toward sentencing, with Zharnovnikov facing the possibility of two decades behind bars for moving lethal weapons into a sanctioned country.