Estonia extradites Russian citizen accused of smuggling US weapons for Russian defence sector

Estonia has extradited to the United States a Russian citizen accused of working for Russian intelligence services.

This was reported by the US Department of Justice.

Vadim Konoshchenko, an alleged employee of the Russian special services, was arrested and extradited to the United States on 13 July.

The man is suspected of supplying US dual-use technology and ammunition to the Russian military.

Vadim Konoschenok is expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn on July 14.

"The defendant was a key participant in a scheme to supply sensitive US-made electronics and ammunition in support of Russia's war effort, in violation of US export controls, economic sanctions, and other laws," said US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace.

Last year, Konoshchenko and others involved in the scheme were already notified of suspicion.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the defendants were linked to Sernia Engineering and Sertal, Moscow-based companies that help Russian intelligence agencies purchase electronics and test equipment for the Russian army.

Photo: Mark Lennihan | AP