MOSCOW. Sept 7 (Interfax) - The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has reported the detention and arrest of citizens of Ukraine and Central Asia smuggling Russian military aircraft parts and spares into Western Europe.
"The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation has put a stop to the operations of an organized group specializing in illegal trade of military-grade products, as well as smuggling military aircraft parts and spares into West European countries," the FSB public relations center said on Thursday.
Moscow's Lefortovo District Court placed all the defendants under arrest.
"It was found that the criminal network involving persons born in Ukraine and a Central Asian country organized continuous purchases and repairs of units and systems of military planes and helicopters in the Russian Federation for the purpose of illegal exports to foreign clients, including for needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces," the FSB said.
The FSB investigative department opened a criminal case on counts of military goods contraband conspiracy.
The FSB did not specify the number of detainees.
"Under investigative procedures, Federal Security Service officers seized over 100 pieces of military aircraft equipment, $117,000 and 59,000 euros. Documentary evidence was gathered to confirm the detainees' participation in the arrangement of repairs and restoration of parts for Ukrainian military planes and helicopters," the FSB said.