Florida Arms Dealer Indicted for Illegal Weapons Parts Exports to Kazakhstan, Russia Pipeline

Maxim Larin, a 43-year-old South Florida firearms dealer and naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Russia, has been indicted on eight counts for conspiring to illegally export weapons parts and tactical accessories from the United States to Kazakhstan, a known transshipment point for materials ultimately destined for Russia. Prosecutors allege Larin used several U.S.-based companies he controlled to ship items such as enhanced firearms triggers, charging handles, and a sophisticated target acquisition system mislabeled as clothing, tools, and light switches to evade detection by U.S. authorities. Larin coordinated with a Russia-based co-defendant to undervalue and mislabel shipments while advising on methods to avoid customs scrutiny, including removing packaging with soldier images. Homeland Security Investigations intercepted one of the shipments, the "Raptar" long-range target acquisition system, in California before it reached Kazakhstan. The charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States, violations of the Export Control Reform Act and the Arms Export Control Act, smuggling, and submission of false export information, with Larin facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella emphasized the government's commitment to prosecuting individuals who threaten national and allied security by evading export controls benefiting Russia.