U.S. authorities unsealed a superseding indictment charging European nationals and entities with violating United States export laws and regulations by attempting to smuggle a dual-use export-controlled item to Russia.
The indictment alleges that, beginning in 2018, Eriks Mamonovs, 33, and Vadims Ananics, 46, both citizens of Latvia who operated CNC Weld, a Latvia-based corporation, conspired with Stanislav Romanyuk, 37, a citizen of Ukraine and resident of Estonia who operated Estonia-based BY Trade OU, and others, including Janis Uzbalis, 46, of Latvia, and individuals in Russia and a Russia-based company, to violate U.S. export laws and regulations and smuggle a jig grinder that was manufactured in Connecticut to Russia.
A jig grinder is a high-precision grinding machine system that does not require a license to export to European Union countries, but does require a license for export and reexport to Russia because of its potential application in nuclear proliferation and defense programs. At no time did the defendants apply for, receive or possess a license of authorization from the U.S. Department of Commerce to export or reexport the jig grinder to Russia, as required by the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”), which restrict the export of items that could make a significant contribution to the military potential of other nations or that could be detrimental to U.S. foreign policy and national security.
U.S. authorities, working with Latvian authorities, intercepted the jig grinder in Riga, Latvia, before it was to be shipped to Russia. Ananics, Mamonovs and Uzbalis were arrested yesterday in Riga, Latvia. Romanyuk was arrested in Tallinn, Estonia, on June 13. They are currently detained and the United States is seeking their extradition.
“The indictment alleges that these defendants attempted to smuggle a high-precision export-controlled item to Russia where it could have been used in nuclear proliferation and Russian defense programs,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.
“The power and precision of American technology must not be put to use by the Kremlin’s war machine,” said Andrew Adams, Director of Task Force KleptoCapture.
“These individuals are alleged to have conspired to export a piece of machinery that can be used for nefarious purposes, including in defense applications to build weapons of war,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
The defendants are charged with violating U.S. export laws and regulations. The indictment alleges that they conspired to smuggle a jig grinder that was manufactured in Connecticut to Russia without obtaining the required license.
Defendant: Eriks Mamonovs, 33, a citizen of Latvia; Vadims Ananics, 46, a citizen of Latvia; Stanislav Romanyuk, 37, a citizen of Ukraine and resident of Estonia; Janis Uzbalis, 46, of Latvia.
Crimes: Violating U.S. export laws and regulations by attempting to smuggle a dual-use export-controlled item to Russia.
City and State: Riga, Latvia; Tallinn, Estonia; Boston, Massachusetts.
Date: June 14, 2026.
Outcome: Currently detained and the United States is seeking their extradition.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Exporting Crimes|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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