Ilya Kahn, Conspiracy to Violate Export Control Reform Act, New York 2024
Ilya Kahn, a US Citizen, Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Sensitive Technology to Russia
BROOKLYN, NY – A complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Ilya Kahn, a citizen of the United States, Israel, and Russia, for his alleged involvement in a multi-million dollar scheme to secure and illegally export sensitive technology from the United States for the benefit of a Russian business whose clients include elements of the Russian military and the Federal Security Service (FSB), the main successor agency to the Soviet Union’s KGB.
The Russian business, Joint Stock Company Research and Development Center ELVEES (Elvees), was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022 because of its critical role in facilitating Russia’s military and its invasion of Ukraine. The complaint charges Kahn with conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act.
Kahn was arrested yesterday in Los Angeles, California, and will make his initial appearance today in the Central District of California.
“As alleged, Kahn illegally sent specialized technology from the United States to a Russian semiconductor manufacturer with ties to multiple other sanctioned Russian entities, and did so by circumventing U.S. export laws and regulations,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “Evading U.S export regulations to send goods to benefit the Russian military complex presents a danger to our national security and our allies and partners abroad. We will continue to use all of our law enforcement and national security tools to hold these enablers, both individuals and corporations, accountable for flouting the rule of law.”
Kahn is the owner of Senesys Incorporated based in California, and Sensor Design Association with a contact address in Brooklyn, New York. As alleged in the complaint and other public filings, Kahn operated these two businesses—ostensibly involved in “security software development” and the testing of silicon wafers for military, avionics, and other purposes.
“Mr. Kahn stands accused of repeatedly exporting sensitive technology to Russia before, during, and after Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” stated Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen. “Violations of U.S. sanctions and export control laws that aid Russia and other hostile powers endanger our nation’s security and will be met with the full force of the Justice Department.”
“Ilya Kahn’s alleged actions – utilizing a nefarious web of companies to export sensitive controlled technology to the Russian military and intelligence services – directly harmed the interests and security of the United States and our allies. The FBI, as we work to protect the United States, will continue to ensure that anyone willing to evade sanctions to aid hostile nations faces the consequences in the criminal justice system,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge James Smith.
Kahn is charged with conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act. The complaint alleges that Kahn’s scheme involved the export of sensitive technology, including semiconductors, to Elvees, which was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: Ilya Kahn
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to Violate the Export Control Reform Act
City and State: BROOKLYN, NY
Date: May 29, 2024
Sentence or Outcome: Currently in custody awaiting initial appearance
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Cybercrime|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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