Russian Activists and Former Servicemen Sentenced to Prison for Exporting Military Equipment and Protesting Against War.

Former Air Force reservist Igor Pachernikov has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to violating the Arms Export Control Act by exporting military equipment to Russia without proper licenses. Pachernikov purchased and sent at least 19 items, including thermal riflescopes, weapon sights, monoculars, and night vision goggles, to his accomplices in Russia and Illinois between December 2016 and May 2018. He used fake names and concealed the items in other items to disguise them. His accomplice Elena Shifrin pleaded guilty to the same charge and awaits sentencing, while another alleged co-conspirator Vladimir Pridacha awaits trial. Two others have been charged but are not in federal custody.