Delhi Businessman Jailed in US for Illegally Exporting Aviation Tech to Russia

A Delhi-based businessman, Sanjay Kaushik, has been sentenced to 30 months in a U.S. federal prison. The 58-year-old Indian national was convicted for conspiring to illegally export aviation technology to Russia. This action violated US export control laws and national security safeguards. The sentence was announced by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) after a multi-year investigation.

Kaushik will also face 36 months of supervised release following his incarceration. The case highlights Washington's commitment to preventing sensitive technology from reaching sanctioned Russian entities. The prosecution was part of a wider crackdown on sanctions evasion.

The Export Control Conspiracy

Court records show the conspiracy began in early September 2023. Kaushik and his associates sought to acquire high-tech aerospace components from U.S. suppliers. They falsely claimed the items were for civilian use in India. In reality, the goods were destined for customers in Russia.

Prosecutors described the operation as a "calculated, profit-driven scheme". It involved repeated misrepresentations to bypass U.S. safeguards. The goal was to profit by supplying technology to a restricted market.

Targeting Critical Navigation Technology

A key part of the scheme involved an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS). The AHRS is a sophisticated flight navigation and control device. It provides critical data for aircraft operation. This component has dual-use aerospace components applications, meaning it can be used in both civilian and military aircraft.

Due to its sensitive nature, the AHRS requires a special export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce for shipment to restricted destinations like Russia. Kaushik falsely declared the AHRS was for a civilian helicopter in India. U.S. officials ultimately intercepted and detained the equipment before it could be exported from the United States.

Arrest, Plea, and Sentence

Kaushik was arrested in Miami, Florida, in October 2024. He was taken into federal custody under a criminal warrant. In October 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford stated the defendant repeatedly sought to undermine critical U.S. national security protections for personal financial gain. The court's ruling emphasized the seriousness of the offense. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg noted that those who evade export restrictions on dual-use technologies will face strict prosecution.

Part of a Wider Enforcement Effort

This case was prosecuted as part of Task Force KleptoCapture. This interagency initiative was launched in March 2022 by the DOJ. Its mission is to enforce sanctions and export restrictions related to Russia's war in Ukraine. The task force leverages multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

• The BIS plays a key role in regulating the export of sensitive technologies.
• The case underscores the risk of using third countries, such as India, as transit hubs to circumvent sanctions.
• Enforcement actions target individuals and entities that enable Russian aggression through illicit procurement networks.

The conviction sends a clear message to the global aviation supply chain. Companies must exercise extreme due diligence when exporting sensitive components. The U.S. government is actively monitoring for attempts to bypass controls on dual-use aerospace components. Violations carry significant prison sentences and financial penalties. This enforcement action protects U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. The integrity of global aviation safety relies on strict adherence to international export laws.

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