According to the DOJ, the co-conspirators violated the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act from 2014 to 2016.
Also, the Justice Department said the co-conspirator knowingly hindered and obstructed the duties of the Department of Commerce and the Department of State.
Stepul is facing additional federal charges related to export-control, smuggling, and false statement. He pleaded not guilty before U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey in Chicago on Thursday. A status hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2020.
The Justice Department believed Yakin is residing in Ukraine. A warrant of arrest has been issued against him.
The indictment is a big victory for law enforcement officials who are working hard to protect the national security of the United States.
Prosecutors still need to prove that Stepul is guilty of the charges against him since he pleaded not guilty. It remains to be seen whether Yakin will be arrested by authorities as his status is currently unknown.
