Brooklyn, NY – Vadim Yermolenko, a New Jersey resident with dual U.S. and Russian nationality, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his part in an illegal procurement network aimed at arming Russia’s military. The sentence, handed down by Judge Hector Gonzalez, also requires Yermolenko to pay $75,547 in forfeiture.
Yermolenko pleaded guilty in November 2024 to charges including conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, bank fraud conspiracy, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. He was caught using a web of shell companies and bank accounts to launder over $12 million and purchase sensitive military equipment for Russia.
“The defendant’s actions were not just a violation of U.S. laws but a threat to our national security,” said Joseph Nocella, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “This sentence should serve as a stark reminder that we will pursue those who seek to undermine American sanctions and provide arms to hostile foreign powers.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia emphasized the FBI’s commitment to defending the homeland, noting that Yermolenko’s greed and allegiance to a foreign government created a significant vulnerability. “The FBI remains relentless in its efforts to identify and bring to justice those who attempt to evade U.S. sanctions,” Raia stated.
Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS-CI New York, highlighted the collaborative effort that brought Yermolenko to justice. “Law enforcement’s collaboration in this case ensures our communities remain safe from potential threats posed by individuals like Yermolenko,” Chavis said.
The scheme involved purchasing highly sensitive electronic components that can be used in nuclear and hypersonic weapons development, quantum computing, and other military applications. Serniya Engineering and Sertal LLC, two Moscow-based procurement companies, were also involved in the scheme and were designated by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in February 2022.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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