Russian Émigré Charged With Smuggling

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - Federal prosecutors accuse a Russian émigré of smuggling computer chips into Russia that could be used for military purposes.

Pavel Semenovich Flider, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested in San Rafael on Wednesday.

Flider and Trident International Corp., which he co-owned, are accused of smuggling computer chips "capable of operating in austere environments, making them useful in both civilian and military applications," the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

More than $60 million in wire transfers were involved, prosecutors said.

Flider is charged with 15 counts of smuggling goods, one count of conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and 10 counts of substantive money laundering.

In convicted of all charges, Flider, 65, could be sentenced to more than 350 years in prison.

He is in federal custody, pending a March 23 detention hearing.

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