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Belorussian Arrested for Smuggling US Aviation Parts to Russia

U.S. authorities say sensitive airplane technology was illegally funneled to Russia after the start of the war with Ukraine.
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Belorussian Arrested for Smuggling US Aviation Parts to Russia
The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington on Oct. 21, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
Jill McLaughlin
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A Belorussian citizen was extradited from France to the United States on Monday where she faces charges for allegedly selling sensitive aircraft equipment to Russia, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

An FBI investigation into Yana Leonova, 33, allegedly revealed an illegal scheme of importing airplane parts to Russia following the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in May 2022.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.