Oleg Chistyakov, also known as Olegs Čitsjakovs, 55, of Latvia, made his initial appearance in a federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, today after being extradited from Latvia. Chistyakov is the third defendant in this case to face charges in connection with a years-long conspiracy to sell sophisticated avionics equipment to Russian companies, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent U.S. economic countermeasures against Russia.
According to court documents, Chistyakov allegedly conspired with U.S. citizens Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, 61, of Kansas, and Douglas Edward Robertson, 56, of Kansas. The trio reportedly facilitated the sale, repair, and shipment of U.S.-origin avionics equipment to customers in Russia and other countries operating Russian-built aircraft. Among their clients was the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB). Buyanovsky and Robertson were charged and arrested in March 2023 and have both pleaded guilty. Sentencing dates are set for November 14 for Buyanovsky and October 3 for Robertson.
Chistyakov is accused of working from Latvia through his Emirati company RosAero FZC with Buyanovsky and Robertson's U.S. company KanRus Trading Company Inc. (KanRus). The group allegedly circumvented U.S export laws by purchasing avionics equipment from U.S. companies for Russian customers. Chistyakov purportedly acted as a broker for KanRus by soliciting quotes, negotiating prices and terms of delivery, and facilitating payments between KanRus and customers in Russia.
The alleged conspirators attempted to conceal their activities by creating false invoices and transshipping items through third-party countries such as Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They also used bank accounts in countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the UAE to facilitate transactions.
In December 2023 many entities involved were added to the Commerce Department’s Entity List which imposes specific license requirements on transactions involving listed individuals and entities.
Chistyakov faces charges including conspiracy, Export Control Reform Act violations, smuggling, and money laundering violations. If convicted he could face up to 20 years in prison along with a $1 million fine.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division stated: "This case demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable those who seek to evade our laws." Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod added: "We will continue working closely with our partners across government agencies."
The FBI along with the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security are investigating this case. Prosecution efforts are led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Rask and Ryan Huschka for the District of Kansas alongside Trial Attorney Adam Barry from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Coordination through Task Force KleptoCapture played a significant role in this investigation—a task force dedicated to enforcing sanctions against Russia following its military actions against Ukraine since March 2nd last year under leadership from the Office of Deputy Attorney General.