The US Department of Justice has arrested three individuals linked to an Ohio company for exporting $2 million worth of civilian aircraft parts to Russia in violation of US export laws. This marks the fifth time in three years that the US has accused individuals or entities of involvement in a scheme to illegally ship aircraft parts to Russia.
Russia’s civilian airline industry is facing a crisis due to sweeping US and European sanctions, with airlines resorting to smuggling certified parts and unofficial maintenance checks to keep planes operational. The situation is expected to worsen unless sanctions are lifted, with aviation experts warning that planes in Russia’s fleet are nearing a critical point.