Bence H. is accused of orchestrating a complex multinational procurement network designed to smuggle sensitive U.S. technology into Russia. The criminal complaint alleges that he worked directly with Russian government entities, including on large-scale projects such as constructing operational radio communications systems in Russia’s Kursk region, near the border with Ukraine. According to the complaint, the Hungarian national managed this operation by sourcing the technology from the United States and covertly transporting it through a network of affiliates in Spain, Serbia, Hungary, Latvia, and other locations.
“This defendant allegedly sought to skirt U.S. export controls put in place to protect our national security and to address Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. “We will continue to work with our partners to bring to justice those who scheme to secure U.S. technology in violation of U.S. laws.”
Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew Olsen emphasized the broader implications of the case: “As alleged, the defendant attempted to purchase military-grade radios for Russian entities using a multinational procurement chain to evade law enforcement. The Justice Department remains committed to disrupting and holding accountable criminal networks that continue to fuel Russian aggression abroad and threaten our collective security.”
Intercepted Shipment
The investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, revealed that Bence H. began discussions with a small U.S. radio distribution company in January 2023. He aimed to procure and export U.S.-manufactured military-grade radios and accessories to Russia via a freight forwarder based in Latvia. He reportedly purchased 200 of these radios, but the shipment was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, preventing the equipment from reaching its intended Russian recipients.
“HSI protects national security by defending our U.S. import and export laws,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of HSI’s New Orleans Field Office. “This criminal thought he could exploit our laws for nefarious purposes, but thanks to HSI special agents and our partners at the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, he was stopped in his tracks.”
Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones of DCIS’s Southeast Field Office highlighted the importance of protecting U.S. technology: “Securing DoD technology and innovation from foreign adversaries is critical to U.S. national security. DCIS and our partners remain committed to protecting American-made military and dual-use technologies by using every tool at our disposal, and we’ll never rest in our pursuit of those who intend to harm the United States and our allies.”
The investigation and subsequent arrest were coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture and the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. These initiatives are focused on enforcing sanctions, export restrictions, and other countermeasures against Russia in response to its ongoing military actions in Ukraine.
Bence H. faces serious charges under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA) and could face substantial penalties if convicted. The case continues to be a high-priority investigation as the U.S. government works to prevent sensitive technologies from being used to support Russian military efforts.
