U.S. authorities have taken steps to restrict the business dealings of a Brossard company suspected of supplying electronic equipment to the Russian military, in violation of existing sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
No criminal charges have been filed in the case at this point, but Megatek TI Solutions has been added to a U.S. government blacklist that severely limits its ability to import, export and transact with U.S. companies.
The Quebec firm was added to the blacklist at the same time as several Chinese companies. “It has been determined by the United States government that these entities have acted against the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States,” the authorities said in a statement.
“These entities are added [à la liste noire] for supplying US-origin electronic components and other items to industries and actors linked to the Russian military sector,” the statement continued.
Megatek Solutions is owned by two Quebecers of Russian origin: Evgeny Soldushov, 37, and Natalie Pyrova, 36. The Press tried unsuccessfully to get their comments. “They are not here, do not call this number again,” replied a woman at Mr Soldushov’s home.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union have imposed sanctions that limit the military-use equipment that can be exported to Russia.
Another Quebec couple, Nikolai Goltsev and Kristina Puzyreva, were arrested in New York for participating in the illegal export of equipment for the Russian war machine. Both pleaded guilty this year and will have to serve prison sentences on American soil.