An alleged Russian intelligence agent, extradited from Estonia to the United States and accused in particular of smuggling, was placed in pre-trial detention on Friday on American soil, at a time when Washington calls for an exchange of prisoners with Moscow. Vadim Konoshchenok is accused by American justice of having played a central role within a group which illegally supplied Russia with sensitive electronic components and ammunition using front companies. He faces a 30-year prison sentence in the United States for criminal association, violation of export restrictions, laundering and smuggling.
The man is accused of “providing advanced American technology and ammunition to Russia for its unlawful and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” said Andrew Adams, director of the KleptoCapture team, which depends on the Ministry of Justice. Vadim Konoshchenok was arrested in 2022 by Estonian authorities at the request of the United States after attempting to cross the Estonian-Russian border in possession of American semiconductors and ammunition, according to the indictment.
The US Department of Justice announced in December his indictment, along with that of four other Russian nationals and two Americans, accused of working for Russian “intelligence-run” companies. According to US authorities, more than 450 kg of ammunition was seized in connection with this case.
The extradition of Mr. Konoshchenok to the United States comes as Washington seeks to negotiate the release of several American citizens detained in Russia including Paul Whelan, a former non-commissioned officer in the Marine Corps, and journalist Evan Gershkovich, both accused spy.
Washington rejects these charges and is working to negotiate their release. “I’m serious about a prisoner swap,” Joe Biden said Thursday from Finland. “I am determined to do everything in our power to free Americans who are illegally detained in Russia or elsewhere,” he added, adding that steps were “under way.”
In December, American basketball player Brittney Griner, arrested in Russia on cannabis trafficking charges, was released against Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer held prisoner in the United States. Similarly, in April 2022, the former American Marine Trevor Reed, sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia for violence which he denied, had obtained his release against that of a Russian pilot, Konstantin Yaroshenko, imprisoned in the States United since 2010 for drug trafficking in connection with the Farc.