New Delhi—A Delhi-based businessman faces serious federal prison time after being sentenced in the United States for conspiring to illegally export controlled aviation technology to Russia. Sanjay Kaushik, 58, received a 30-month sentence along with three years of supervised release for a scheme prosecutors called deliberate and profit-driven.
The case highlights growing concerns about individuals circumventing US export controls to support sanctioned Russian entities.
Key Facts
• Sanjay Kaushik received 30 months in federal prison plus 36 months supervised release in Portland, Oregon
• Conspiracy involved exporting a critical Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) from Oregon beginning in September 2023
• Kaushik falsely claimed his Indian company was the end user, when components were actually destined for Russian end users
Kaushik conspired with others starting in early September 2023 to obtain aerospace goods and technologies from the United States specifically for Russian entities. The scheme involved purchasing restricted aviation components under false pretenses and misleading US authorities about the actual destination of sensitive equipment.
In one critical instance, Kaushik and his co-conspirators purchased an Attitude and Heading Reference System—a navigation and flight control device essential for aircraft operations—from an Oregon-based supplier. They falsely claimed the component would be used in a civilian helicopter operated by Kaushik's Indian company to obtain necessary export licenses.
The AHRS component fell under strict US Department of Commerce export controls due to dual civilian and military applications, making its unauthorized transfer to Russia a serious national security violation. Components requiring such licenses cannot legally be exported to countries like Russia without proper government authorization.
Prosecutors emphasized that this was not an isolated mistake but rather a calculated, repeated scheme involving substantial financial gains and coordination with sanctioned Russian entities. Kaushik's actions directly undermined critical US national security safeguards and foreign policy objectives for personal profit.
Kaushik was arrested in Miami, Florida on October 17, 2024, following a criminal complaint and arrest warrant after remaining at large for over a year since the conspiracy's discovery. He remained in custody from his arrest through legal proceedings and ultimately pleaded guilty on October 9, 2025, to conspiracy charges involving export-controlled aviation components.
US Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott Bradford stated during sentencing:
The aviation component was ultimately detained before export from the United States, preventing the technology transfer to Russia. Federal prosecutors successfully built their case through cooperation among multiple agencies including the US Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon, the Department of Justice's National Security Division, and the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security.
This sentencing sends a clear message that individuals attempting to circumvent US export control laws, particularly those involving military-grade technology, will face severe federal penalties. Indian business professionals working with US companies must ensure strict compliance with export regulations to avoid similar prosecution and imprisonment.
Do You Know?
The AHRS device Kaushik attempted to export is so critical to aircraft operations that many commercial and military aircraft cannot fly without it—making illegal exports of such components an especially serious national security concern affecting defense capabilities.
Key Terms
• Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS): A navigation device that provides critical flight control data showing an aircraft's orientation and direction, essential for safe flight operations
• Export Control Reform Act: US federal law restricting the export of sensitive goods and technologies, especially those with military applications, to protect national security
• Sanctioned Entities: Organizations or individuals subject to US government penalties and restrictions due to their involvement in activities threatening American interests or foreign policy
• Dual-Use Technology: Equipment or software that has both civilian applications and military capabilities, subject to special export restrictions
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