Ohio – Federal indictments have been filed against Flighttime Enterprises, Inc., an American subsidiary of a Russian aircraft parts supplier, and three of its current and former employees. The charges stem from an alleged scheme to illegally export aviation parts from the United States to Russia and Russian airline companies without obtaining the necessary licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Illicit Export Scheme Uncovered
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that the accused individuals knowingly violated U.S. export restrictions, which were imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Prosecutors allege that Flighttime Enterprises and its employees attempted to circumvent these restrictions by mislabeling shipments, providing false certifications, and using intermediary companies to disguise the final destination of the aviation components. The total value of these illicit transactions exceeded $2 million.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “We will not tolerate export violations or smuggling of items contrary to U.S. laws to any part of the world, Russia included. These illicit activities are extremely harmful to our country, regardless of the item that is smuggled. I am confident in the prosecution bringing accountability to the individuals named in the indictment on behalf of the people of the Southern District of Ohio – but even greater, on behalf of our nation.”
Defendants and Their Roles
The three individuals charged in connection with the scheme include:
- Daniela Friery, 43, a naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Loveland, Ohio.
- Pavil Iglin, 46, a Russian citizen living in Florida on a non-immigrant visa.
- Marat Aysin, 39, a legal permanent resident of the United States currently residing in Florida.
According to the indictment, Flighttime Enterprises operated from offices near West Chester, Ohio, and Miami, Florida. Prosecutors allege that the defendants coordinated to facilitate the illegal export of aviation components to Russian end users, including airlines that were subject to U.S. trade restrictions.
One of the key incidents cited in the indictment took place in June 2022. The company allegedly purchased an auxiliary power unit from a U.S. supplier for $395,000. When the supplier raised concerns about Flighttime’s Russian connections, Aysin falsely assured them that the part was being purchased to replenish stock at the company’s West Chester location. Iglin then signed a fraudulent end-user certificate stating that the part would not be sent to Russia. However, prosecutors allege that the component was ultimately shipped to a Russian aviation company in direct violation of U.S. export laws.
Potential Consequences
The indictment charges Flighttime Enterprises and its three employees with multiple federal crimes. They each face:
- One count of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) – punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
- Multiple counts of violating the ECRA, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
- One count of conspiracy to commit smuggling, which carries a potential five-year prison sentence.
- Multiple counts of smuggling, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
- One count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
If convicted on all counts, the defendants face significant federal prison sentences for their roles in the illicit scheme.
Crackdown on Export Violations
The case underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to enforcing trade restrictions and preventing sensitive technologies from reaching sanctioned entities. By allegedly using fraudulent documents and deceptive business practices, the defendants attempted to evade export controls designed to limit Russia’s access to critical aviation components.
Authorities warn that violations of export laws, particularly in cases involving national security concerns, will be prosecuted aggressively.
