A Russian businessman arrested in the Northern Marianas at the end of last year has pleaded guilty to acquiring US defence articles without a licence.
Saipan in the Northern Marianas. Photo: Supplied
Dmitrii Makarenko was arrested in Saipan and transferred to Miami where in 2017 he had been charged with attempting to obtain night vision equipment.
According to Russian media reports, because of the guilty plea the prosecution will recommend sending Mr Makarenko to prison for 10 to 16 months.
He has reportedly also agreed to pay $US40,000 which amounts to the profit made through the illicit trade.
A year ago, a co-defendant in the case, Vladimir Nevidomy, who lived in Florida, was sentenced in Miami to 26 months in prison.
Despite the arrest warrant, Mr Makarenko reportedly travelled with his family from Vladivostok to Saipan for the New Year's holiday for the last three years.