New Jersey man sentenced for smuggling electronics to Russia

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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey man involved in a scheme to smuggle more than $65 million worth of sensitive electronic components to Russia has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison.

Alexander Brazhnikov Jr. will also have to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $75,000 fine as part of the 70-month sentence imposed Thursday.

The 37-year-old Mountainside man had pleaded guilty in June 2015 to conspiracy to smuggle electronics, conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. He also agreed at that time to forfeit $65 million.

Federal prosecutors say Brazhnikov undermined the nation's security by procuring high-tech components, many of which wound up in the hands of Russia's military and security forces.