Austin supplier linked to Russia export case in federal court
A federal court in Austin has sentenced an Armenian man living in the U.S. to 26 months in prison for illegally exporting American technology to a Russian company tied to to that nation’s semiconductor and nuclear arms programs.
Federal prosecutors said Kamo Kirakosyan illegally purchased semiconductor and industrial components from three U.S. companies, including one in Austin, with the intent of routing them through Armenia to Vakuum, a Russian manufacturer.
The company was one of hundreds barred from importing American technologies in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. At the time, the U.S. said the move was intended to “strike at the heart of Russia’s ability to develop and deploy weapons and technology used for Vladimir Putin’s brutal war of aggression.”
After the companies were sanctioned, Kirakosyan set himself up as the purchaser of the components, having them shipped to Armenia then routing them to Russia, prosecutors said. He worked with directors and employees of Vakuum from March 2022 to August 2024.
Kirakosyan was indicted for six felonies in July 2024: conspiracy to violate federal law, conspiracy to defraud the United States, attempted violation of the Export Control Reform Act, attempted smuggling, smuggling and violating the Export Control Reform Act. After being extradited from Germany, he pleaded guilty in April to one count of felony conspiracy.
According to Justice Department documents, Kirakosyan and his co-conspirators concealed that the supplies were destined for Russia in violation of U.S. sanctions.
When Vakuum was unsuccessful at purchasing goods from one company in March 2022, it asked Kirakosyan to order them from Armenia. According to the indictment, the U.S. company repeatedly asked who the end-customer was, including requests for contact details. Kirakosyan forwarded the request to his Russian counterpart.
The court records document $5,200 in purchases.
At least one other individual was indicted but their name was redacted from public records, which remain under seal. The person is a Russian national, a director of Vakuum, who at times spoke to the U.S. companies and arranged purchases, according to court records. There is no indication of an arrest or future proceeding.
The Vakuum director allegedly coordinated and attempted to sign a contract with an unidentified Austin-based company and spoke with its representatives about sanctions, according to court records. The complaint does not name the Austin supplier.
A spokesman for the Justice Department said Kirakosyan will receive credit for time in custody starting in August 2025.