From New Delhi to Miami: How an Indian executive got caught in a high-stakes smuggling case

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): A 57-year-old Indian national has been apprehended in the United States for allegedly violating export control laws by procuring aerospace components for Russian entities. Sanjay Kaushik, the managing partner of Arezo Aviation, a New Delhi-based air charter services provider, was arrested in Miami on October 17 following his arrival from India for official travel, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Arezo Aviation, based in Maharam Nagar, Delhi Cantt, offers services such as air charters, air ambulances, and the distribution of aircraft spare parts, lubricants, and pilot supplies for commercial, general, and corporate aviation. Kaushik is currently detained in Oregon, where he has not requested release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman ruled on Friday that Kaushik will remain in custody, citing concerns that he poses a flight risk. If convicted, Kaushik could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million per count. Federal prosecutors allege that Kaushik is part of an illicit procurement network that unlawfully obtained U.S. aviation goods and technology for Russian entities. Court filings indicate that Kaushik collaborated with his Austrian associate, Markus Kaltenegger, to acquire U.S.-origin aviation parts and technology without the required licenses or authorization from the U.S. Department of Commerce, thereby violating export and re-export regulations.