U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Lesslie Viguerie, explained the rationale behind the sanctions on some Kyrgyz companies. The sanctions focus on about 45 specific goods, including aircraft parts and printed circuit boards. These items are suspected by the U.S. and its allies, such as Europe, Japan, and South Korea, to be used in weapons. Dual-use components from these goods were found in Russian weaponry, 24.kg reported.
Viguerie emphasized that the sanctions are not designed to hinder Kyrgyzstan’s economic relations with Russia. Instead, they focus on preventing potential parallel exports to Russia that could supply the Russian military.
On February 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on the Kyrgyz company "Ucon" for shipping aircraft components and parts to Russia, thereby violating U.S. export control laws. This violation led to the company’s inclusion in the sanctions list.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury also sanctioned the Russian joint-stock company National Payment Card System, which operates the MIR payment system. This system was utilized by Russia to construct its financial infrastructure and circumvent other sanctions.
Viguerie also mentioned two additional Kyrgyz companies that have been added to the sanctions list — "Muller Markt" and "Profflab" companies. These companies were found to be shipping goods to Russia.
Often, such companies order products from suppliers in the United States, Europe, South Korea, or Japan, providing inaccurate information about the end consumer. Viguerie stated that U.S. law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing companies that do not adequately scrutinize the orders they receive for these goods if they are sent to Kyrgyzstan.
The process typically involves a company ordering a spare part, which arrives in Kyrgyzstan and is immediately transported to Russia. Viguerie pointed out that these aviation spare parts are not used for any aircraft in Kyrgyzstan but are sent for Russian aircraft. This practice has proven profitable, as Russians are willing to pay a premium to acquire these goods.
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