A Madison business owner has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the illegal export of scientific equipment to Russia. Andrew Pogosyan, 68, entered his plea in U.S. District Court in Madison, admitting to conspiracy to defraud the United States and smuggling goods from the country. Sentencing is set for October 7, 2025.
Pogosyan, a U.S. citizen born in Russia, operated Omega Diagnostics, LLC. According to court documents and statements made during the plea hearing, between September 2022 and October 2023 he conspired with Russian companies and individuals to export controlled scientific and diagnostic research equipment components without obtaining required licenses. The exports were routed through countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Latvia, and Lithuania to conceal their final destination.
The U.S. government regulates the export of certain goods and technology under laws strengthened after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Department of Commerce expanded these controls later that year to include items potentially useful for chemical and biological weapons production.
“Today’s plea is the culmination of the outstanding work by our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma for the Western District of Wisconsin. “As part of our on-going commitment to protecting national security, this office will hold accountable those who violate export control laws.”
FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle commented: “Mr. Pogosyan threatened the national security of the United States by violating sanctions and illegally exporting scientific laboratory equipment to companies in Russia,” adding that “the FBI continues to tirelessly work with our law enforcement partners to investigate anyone who helps foreign adversaries evade sanctions. Pogosyan’s actions undermined the protections put in place to ensure U.S. national security.”
Pogosyan faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy and up to ten years for each smuggling violation.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry & Security, Office of Export Enforcement; and Homeland Security Investigations at the Department of Homeland Security. Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma and Trial Attorney Christopher Cook from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting.
