Savannah Resident Indicted For Illegally Exporting Firearms Parts To Russia

SAVANNAH, GA – Viacheslav Zhukov, 33, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury sitting in Savannah for his role in illegally exporting firearm parts from Savannah, Georgia to others in Russia.  The indictment alleges that Zhukov, a Russian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States living in Savannah, mailed multiple packages containing firearm magnifier scopes to Russia without obtaining an export license from the United States Department of Commerce.  Various firearm magnifier scopes are controlled under the Export Administration Regulations for crime control purposes and require a license from the United States Department of Commerce to export to Russia.  The indictment further alleges that Zhukov misrepresented the contents of packages he mailed to Russia on the customs declarations forms presented to the United States Postal Service. 

Zhukov’s arraignment was held yesterday in Savannah before U. S. Magistrate Judge G.R. Smith.  Zhukov was ordered detained pending trial.  If convicted on all counts, Zhukov faces a 25 year maximum prison sentence.  U. S. Attorney Edward Tarver emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation of this case was led by HSI, with assistance from the U. S. Customs & Border Protection, the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Tania Groover and Charlie Bourne are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.  For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.