United States of America v. Douglas Edward Robertson

Kansas City, Kansas, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States in violation of 18 U.S.C. 371.

Reported by Kent Morlan

Douglas Edward Robertson, 58, of Olathe, Kansas, the former vice president of KanRus Trading Company Inc. and two codefendants continued to purchase, sell, and export sophisticated and controlled avionics equipment to customers in Russia without the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Robertson was arrested in March 2023 for smuggling U.S. avionics to Russia by lying about the exports’ value, end users, and end destinations.

“The U.S. changed trade restrictions with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine for a reason. These defendants put money over country and considered themselves more clever than Customs officials. They thought they could circumvent the restrictions without being detected, but they were wrong,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Smugglers can’t fly under the radar without federal investigators ultimately uncovering their criminal activities.”

“The sentencing marks another milestone in the government’s successful effort to hold those accountable who conspire to circumvent and bypass U.S. regulations. The individuals in this case conspired to illegally purchase, sell and export sophisticated aviation equipment to Russia. Robertson’s fraudulent actions were willful and substantial. The sentencing should provide assurance to the public: the FBI will investigate and arrest those who wish to violate our nation’s laws,” said Chris Ormerod, FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement investigated the case. The Latvian authorities assisted in the investigation while U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided substantial assistance.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment (Counts 1, 5, 6, and 23, all concurrent); $400 assessment; $10,000 fine