A suspected Russian intelligence operative, Vadim Konoshchenok, was extradited from Estonia to the United States to face charges related to a global procurement and money laundering network on behalf of the Russian government.
Konoshchenok, a Russian citizen with alleged ties to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), was arrested in Estonia on a provisional arrest warrant issued from the Eastern District of New York and extradited from Estonia to the United States on July 13, 2023.
Konoshchenok will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr., at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn on an indictment charging him with conspiracy and other charges related to a global procurement and money laundering network on behalf of the Russian government.
‘As alleged, the defendant was a critical participant in a scheme to provide sensitive, American-made electronics and ammunition in furtherance of Russia’s war efforts and weapons development, violating U.S. export controls, economic sanctions and other criminal statutes,’ stated United States Attorney Breon Peace.
United States Attorney Peace thanked the Office of International Affairs and Estonian authorities, including Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) and the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Estonia for their significant assistance in securing foreign evidence, the arrest and extradition of Konoshchenok.
‘This defendant, who is suspected of having ties to the FSB, smuggled hundreds of thousands of illicit munitions in support of Moscow’s war machine, using front companies to conceal his criminal enterprise,’ said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
‘Vadim Konoshchenok allegedly provided cutting edge, American-developed technologies and ammunition to Russia for use in their illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Far from the battlefield, Konoshchenok will now face justice in an American courthouse, thanks to the staunch commitment of our Estonian partners and the federal prosecutors and agents who have dedicated their time and talents to disrupting the Kremlin’s war machine,’ stated KleptoCapture Director Andrew C. Adams.
Defendant: Vadim Konoshchenok
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy, other charges related to a global procurement and money laundering network on behalf of the Russian government
City and State: Brooklyn, New York
Exact Date: July 13, 2023
Sentence or Outcome: Arraignment pending
Dollar Amounts: None applicable
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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