Russian man sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for attempting to illegally export firearm parts and accessories

CHICAGO — A Russian man was sentenced Thursday to 18 months in federal prison for attempting to unlawfully export more than $100,000 in firearm parts, ammunition and accessories, including parts designed for assault rifles.

This sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr., Northern District of Illinois and Special Agent in Charge James M. Gibbons, the Chicago Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Konstantin Chekhovskoi, 44, of St. Petersburg, Russia, was arrested by HSI special agents at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on April 26, 2017, as he attempted to board a flight for Stockholm, Sweden.

In Chekhovskoi’s 11 checked bags were firearm parts, ammunition and accessories, including bullets, rifle magazines, triggers, stocks, muzzle brakes and scopes, many of which were designed for assault rifles such as AK-47s and M4s.

Chekhovskoi lacked the required license for the export-controlled items.

Chekhovskoi pleaded guilty last year to one count of attempting to fraudulently and knowingly export firearm parts.

U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis imposed the 18-month prison term and fined Chekhovskoi $100,000.