The Federal Security Service (FSB) has disrupted a group smuggling aircraft parts from Russia with the intention of exporting them, potentially to Ukraine. This operation involved a coordinated network of individuals from Russia, Ukraine, and Middle Eastern countries, directed from abroad.

The FSB reports that the group acquired aircraft components valued at over 400 million rubles. These components were sourced from manufacturing enterprises and operating companies through controlled commercial structures, acting on behalf of foreign organizations. The smuggled parts were intended to repair at least four helicopters.

According to the FSB, the scheme was uncovered and shut down before the parts could reach their final destination. The Investigative Department of the FSB for the Orenburg Region has initiated a criminal case under Part 3 of Art. 30, Part 1.1 of Art. 226.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which concerns the smuggling of military equipment and related materials.