Michael Stashchyshyn, Arms Export Control Act Violation, New Jersey 2019

Arms Trafficking Scheme Unraveled in Federal Court

In a shocking revelation, Michael Stashchyshyn, a 56-year-old resident of Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act. The case, which has been making headlines in recent weeks, involves the illicit export of night sighting equipment, firearm parts, and ammunition to Ukraine.

According to court documents, Stashchyshyn conspired with others to export the controlled items without the requisite license issued by the State Department. The items were purchased in the United States by his co-conspirators and shipped to Stashchyshyn, who owned a freight forwarder business in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Stashchyshyn then shipped the items to an individual in Ukraine in blatant disregard for U.S. law and regulations. The items shipped are contained on the Federal Munitions List and are controlled by the International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) regulations, making their export without a license a serious offense.

The investigation into Stashchyshyn’s activities was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle and Shardul Desai are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

Stashchyshyn’s guilty plea comes as a significant blow to his reputation and his business. He is set to be sentenced on July 24, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of violating U.S. laws and regulations related to arms export. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what other individuals may be implicated in this complex web of international arms trafficking.

Stay tuned to Grimy Times for further updates on this developing story.

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