DOJ Announces Seattle Man’s Arrest for Alleged Export-Control Evasion Through Third Countries

DOJ announced the arrest of Ilya Pankov, also known as Ilia Pankov, on October 27, 2026, on a 12-count indictment alleging a scheme to export restricted mining and other equipment to Russia through buyers in Korea, Turkey and Kazakhstan without required authorization. The charges include conspiracy, unlawful exports, smuggling, false statements and money laundering conspiracy; prosecutors allege that at least $225,000 in proceeds were laundered through accounts connected to Pacific Route Inc. Pankov pleaded not guilty, and the charges remain allegations.