BRYANSK, August 14 (Itar-Tass) — A citizen of Armenia, who tried to smuggle military-purpose goods from Russia, was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison and a 80,000 rouble (around 2,700 dollars) fine.
A 34-year-old truck driver Vaga Melkonyan registered in Yerevan, but residing in Bryansk was detained on June 26, 2010 at the Troebortnoye border checkpoint.
Border guards found in his truck moving from Russia to Ukraine several dozens of elements and spare parts to armoured vehicles that were declared as non-defence products.
Moreover, they seized 12 kilograms of high-toxic beryllium powder used in missile fuel and warhead production. Containers with beryllium were hidden in truck body and frame.
The Armenian citizen also tried to smuggle undeclared bathroom equipment and construction materials worth of 1.8 million roubles.
Investigators found out that beryllium was bought from a Moscow firm and spare parts to the military hardware from a Moscow region resident.
The smuggler pleaded guilt during the trial.
The Federal Security Service also detected a group of officers from a military unit deployed in the Leningrad region who were involved in stealing military-purpose elements worth of 1.6 million roubles.
They were also brought to responsibility and fined.