Federal authorities have charged Maxim Larin, a firearms parts dealer, in an eight-count indictment for allegedly participating in a scheme to illegally export weapons parts and accessories from the United States to Kazakhstan. The charges were unsealed at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. Larin was arrested in Plantation, Florida, and appeared before a federal court in Miami. He will be arraigned later in the Eastern District of New York.
The indictment accuses Larin of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to violate both the Export Control Reform Act and the Arms Export Control Act, attempted violation of those acts, smuggling goods from the United States, and submission of false export information.
Authorities allege that Larin used several U.S.-based companies he owns to sell export-controlled firearms parts and accessories to a co-defendant based in Russia. He is accused of shipping these items through Kazakhstan without proper export licenses, undervaluing and mislabeling shipments, and suggesting methods to conceal their contents from authorities.
According to prosecutors, beginning as early as December 2022, Larin communicated with his Russian co-defendant about disguising packages containing weapons parts. In one instance, he warned about packaging with images of soldiers that might attract customs’ attention. In May 2023, he agreed to ship enhanced firearms triggers and charging handles—subject to export controls—to Kazakhstan after being instructed by his co-defendant on how they should be labeled.
In December 2023, Larin acquired a Rapid Targeting and Ranging Module (Raptar), which assists users in acquiring targets at long ranges and is subject to strict international arms regulations. The device was intercepted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in California before it could be exported.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, HSI New York Special Agent Ricky J. Patel, and Jonathan Carson from the Bureau of Industry and Security announced the arrest.
“As alleged, Larin agreed to illegally ship export-controlled weapons parts and accessories, including a sophisticated target acquisition system, to Kazakhstan, a known transshipment location for equipment bound for Russia. He lied on export documents and intentionally misrepresented and concealed the true nature of the materials he was shipping,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “My Office will vigorously prosecute efforts to evade U.S. export regulations which threaten our national security and the security of our allies while benefitting Russia. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to hold accountable those individuals who place their own interests above those of our nation and its security.”
Mr. Nocella thanked other agencies for their assistance: “Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, HSI’s Miami Field Office, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their valuable assistance.”
“Maxim Larin is accused of shipping weapons, parts and tactical accessories to countries that serve as pipelines for artillery destined for the Russian battlefield. He allegedly violated export control, willingly mislabeled packaging and labeling, and further utilized deceptive practices to hide the contents of firearms parcels. Make no mistake: this unlawful activity would have persisted if not for the collaborative law enforcement efforts that led to today’s charges,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel. “HSI New York remains committed to utilizing our unique authorities to relentlessly pursue individuals who seek to exploit U.S. export control laws and in turn threaten public safety and national security.”
“As set forth in the charging documents, Larin conspired to unlawfully export weapons components including an advanced target acquisition system—to Kazakhstan—a known diversion hub,” stated OEE Special Agent Carson.“He further sought to conceal the nature of shipment by falsifying records.The Bureau together with law enforcement partners will continue enforcing U.S.export control laws,vigorously protect national security,and bring justice those who attempt violate them.”
If convicted on all counts,Larin faces up twenty years prison.The case is managed by National Security & Cybercrime Section,Eastern District NY;prosecutors are Gilbert M.Rein & David I.Berman along with Trial Attorney Christopher Cook(National Security Division).
Larin remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
