A Belarusian woman, Yana Leonova, 33, has been extradited from France to the United States to face an indictment charging her with conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act, commit smuggling, money laundering, and defraud the United States. According to federal prosecutors, Leonova, also known as “Yana Liavonava,” allegedly worked with co-conspirators in the United States to unlawfully procure and export avionics and aircraft equipment to Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The exported components were reportedly intended for use by a Russian company that appears on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List, making the exports illegal without government authorization.
Investigators allege that Leonova and her associates used front companies in countries such as Armenia and the Maldives to disguise the true destination of the aircraft parts and avoid detection. They are also accused of falsifying shipping documents, concealing the end users, and routing payments through foreign accounts to U.S. banks as part of a broader scheme to evade export control laws. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro emphasized that Leonova’s actions posed a threat to national security by helping to funnel sensitive technology to a sanctioned entity in Russia.
Violations of U.S. export control laws, particularly when tied to smuggling or money laundering, carry severe penalties. Defendants convicted of these crimes can face up to 20 years in prison for each count of violating the Export Control Reform Act, significant fines, forfeiture of assets, and additional penalties for money laundering and conspiracy. Federal authorities treat these offenses with utmost seriousness, as they undermine U.S. economic and national security interests.
Anyone charged with export control violations or related offenses should immediately seek experienced legal counsel. These cases often involve complex international laws, classified evidence, and cooperation among multiple agencies. A skilled defense attorney can challenge the government’s evidence, scrutinize the intent behind alleged transactions, and advocate for the defendant’s rights in court. While Leonova awaits trial, the case serves as a clear reminder of the serious consequences of attempting to circumvent U.S. export regulations.
Contact our international criminal defense team today for a confidential consultation. Your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line. At Dhar Law, LLP, our firm has extensive experience defending individuals charged with complex federal and international criminal charges.
Contact us today at 617-880-6155 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you.
