A Wisconsin businessman has admitted to illegally smuggling lab equipment to Russian companies, including one linked to the Russian military. Andrew Pogosyan, 68, of Madison, pleaded guilty this week to federal charges after violating U.S. trade sanctions put in place following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The case has drawn national attention due to the sensitive nature of the materials and their potential use in harmful research.
Illegal Shipments to Russian Companies Uncovered
Andrew Pogosyan, a Russian-born U.S. citizen, operated a company called Omega Diagnostics LLC. Beginning in September 2022, Pogosyan used this business to ship lab equipment to multiple companies located in Russia. Instead of sending the items directly, he routed them through countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Latvia, and Lithuania. From there, the goods were forwarded on to their final destinations inside Russia.
One of the Russian companies that received the equipment is believed to conduct chemical research for the Russian military. This sparked serious concerns among U.S. authorities, who fear that the materials could support the development of chemical or biological weapons.
Federal investigators found that Pogosyan was fully aware of the rules but tried to hide the shipments’ true destinations. By sending them to third-party countries first, he attempted to make it look like the goods weren’t headed for Russia at all.
Violation of U.S. Sanctions and Export Laws
In response to the Ukraine invasion, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security placed strict sanctions on Russia in February 2022. These rules require anyone sending certain goods or technologies to Russia to get a special license. This is especially important when the products could be used in military, chemical, or biological research.
Prosecutors say Andrew Pogosyan never applied for such a license. Instead, he chose to work around the law, using his company to send sensitive equipment overseas while concealing the true nature of the exports. The lab tools, while seemingly for scientific use, were capable of supporting dangerous research.
Sanctions hit hard — Zelensky urges final blow as Russian economy spirals
According to court documents, Pogosyan’s actions were part of a deliberate scheme to avoid U.S. oversight and continue supplying Russian firms despite the sanctions. The equipment, though commercial in nature, can be classified as dual-use—meaning it can serve both peaceful and harmful purposes.
Facing Up to 35 Years in Prison
In June, Pogosyan was formally charged with four federal offenses, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and illegal export of goods. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to the charges in federal court. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, and faces a maximum of 35 years behind bars.
Cayman strikes hard: $38M seized as island clamps down on crypto crimes and gold smuggling
His attorney, William Coffield, described Pogosyan as a “good person” who didn’t fully understand the severity of the sanctions. Coffield stated that Pogosyan believed his clients were scientists working on medical and non-military research. Still, he admitted fault, saying, “He has accepted responsibility and is working to make amends.”
Despite the defense’s claims, federal officials view Pogosyan’s actions as a serious threat to U.S. national security. The case highlights how sensitive technology can be misused if export laws are not followed, even by individuals or companies who may not fully understand the impact of their actions.
For now, Andrew Pogosyan remains in custody as he awaits sentencing. His guilty plea marks a major step in a broader crackdown on illegal exports to countries under U.S. sanctions.