A court in Cyprus refused to extradite Russian Petrov to the United States

The district court in the city of Larnaca ruled to refuse the extradition of 33-year-old Artur Petrov to the United States, TASS reports . The Russian citizen was detained in August 2023 at the request of Washington and accused of organizing the supply of American microelectronics to RUSSIA in violation of sanctions.

The Russian was charged with 11 counts, including smuggling, violation of EXPORT controls and money laundering. Some of them carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. According to the US Department of Justice, Petrov also has German citizenship.

Detained in CyprusThe Russian works for Electrocom, which supplies electronic components “for the needs of Russian industrial enterprises,” according to court documents. Investigators believe that these products can be used to supply Russian military personnel.

According to the US Department of Justice, Petrov and two of his accomplices used front companies to organize the supply of American microelectronics, which were used in Russian drones, electronic warfare systems, guided missiles and communications devices, including in a military operation in Ukraine .