LOS ANGELES – (INT) – A former Air Force reservist, who once resided in Corona, admitted Friday March 24th exporting to Russia thermal imaging riflescopes and night vision goggles without a license. That is in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.

Igor Panchernikov, 41, has been in federal custody after being extradited to the United States from Israel.

At his Corona residence, Panchernikov received at least 19 defense articles that his co-conspirators purchased from online sellers. After receiving these items, Panchernikov inspected the items to ensure that they were undamaged and operational. Pursuant to his co-conspirators’ instructions, Panchernikov then mailed some of the items to accomplices in Russia.

According the federal prosecutors, Panchernikov’s crimes occurred from December 2016 to May 2018.

Story Date: March 27, 2023