Russian Citizen Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Attempting to Illegally Export More Than $100,000 in Firearm Parts and Accessories

CHICAGO — A Russian citizen was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for attempting to illegally export from the United States more than $100,000 in firearm parts, ammunition and accessories, including parts designed for assault rifles.

KONSTANTIN CHEKHOVSKOI was apprehended by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on April 26, 2017, as he attempted to board a flight for Stockholm, Sweden.  In Chekhovskoi’s eleven checked bags were the firearm parts, ammunition and accessories, including bullets, rifle magazines, triggers, stocks, muzzle brakes and scopes, many of which were designed for assault rifles such as AK-47s and M4s.  Chekhovskoi lacked the required license for the export-controlled items.

Chekhovskoi, 44, of St. Petersburg, Russia, pleaded guilty last year to one count of attempting to fraudulently and knowingly export firearm parts.  U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis imposed the 18-month prison term and fined Chekhovskoi $100,000.

The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.