An Indian businessman from Delhi faces serious consequences in the United States for attempting to smuggle sensitive aviation technology to Russia. Sanjay Kaushik, aged 58, received a 30-month federal prison sentence this week for his role in a calculated conspiracy.
Violation of Export Control Laws
The US Department of Justice confirmed that Kaushik violated the Export Control Reform Act in Portland, Oregon. His actions involved exporting controlled aviation components and a navigation system to end users in Russia. The court also ordered him to serve 36 months of supervised release after completing his prison term.
"Calculated, Profit-Driven Scheme"
US authorities described Kaushik's activities as deliberate and financially motivated. "This was no lapse in judgment," stated US Attorney Scott E Bradford for the District of Oregon. "It was a calculated, profit-driven scheme involving repeated transactions, substantial gains, and coordination with foreign co-conspirators, including sanctioned Russian entities."
Bradford emphasized that Kaushik repeatedly tried to undermine safeguards critical to US national security and foreign policy for personal profit.
How the Scheme Unfolded
Court documents reveal that Kaushik began conspiring with others in early September 2023. Their goal was to unlawfully obtain aerospace goods and technology from American suppliers for Russian entities.
The operation involved purchasing goods under false pretenses. Kaushik claimed the components would go to his Indian company when they were actually destined for Russian end users.
The Specific Technology Involved
In one significant instance, Kaushik and his co-conspirators purchased an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) from an Oregon-based supplier. This device provides crucial navigation and flight control data for aircraft.
Such components require special licenses from the US Department of Commerce for export to certain countries, including Russia. To obtain this license, Kaushik falsely claimed his Indian company was the end purchaser and that the component would be used in a civilian helicopter.
The Department of Justice ultimately detained the AHRS before it could leave the United States. Authorities determined Kaushik intended to ship the device through India to a customer in Russia.
Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Law enforcement arrested Kaushik in Miami, Florida on October 17, 2024, based on a criminal complaint and arrest warrant. He remained in custody from that point forward.
On October 9, 2025, Kaushik pleaded guilty to the primary charge against him. He admitted to conspiring to sell export-controlled aviation components with dual civilian and military applications to end users in Russia.
Strong Message from US Authorities
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A Eisenberg delivered a stern warning through the sentencing. He stated that individuals who "scheme to circumvent US export control laws" will face full prosecution, especially when the technologies involved have military applications.
"The security of the United States demands that perpetrators of deceitful schemes like this one are held accountable for their actions," Eisenberg declared.
This case highlights the serious consequences of violating international export controls, particularly when sensitive technologies with potential military uses are involved.
