Fermanova, 24, is the newest bombshell targeted by federal authorities. She is accused of attempting to smuggle high-tech night vision scopes from the United States to Russia.
PICTURES: Anna Fermanova Accused of Smuggling
An arrest affidavit obtained by Crimesider states that Fermanova, along with others, tried to "intentionally attempt to export" defense articles listed on the United States Munitions List without having the required license to do so.
The document says that when Fermanova attempted to board a plane at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport bound for Moscow on March 1, Customs & Border Protection seized her luggage, finding three night vision devices.
When Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents approached Fermanova regarding the cutting-edge devices, she claimed that she purchased the scopes online, stated the affidavit.
The scopes reportedly cost approximately $15,000 total, according to The Smoking Gun.
When ICE agents further questioned Fermanova, asking if she was aware of the regulations regarding such items she claimed that she "signed something about that," but was "not really sure what she was signing."
According to ICE special agent David Mondanaro, one of the devices found in Fermanova's luggage was a Raptor 4X, which is considered a "generation 3" night vision device that allows the user to locate a target in "low light conditions." The Raptor 4X is engineered to be attached to a rifle, stated the affidavit.
Though Fermanova claimed she was unaware of such guidelines, the devices appeared to have "no visible identification stickers or markings" and several ID numbers "had been covered with black marker pen," indicated Mondanaro.
The agents confiscated the three devices, but allowed Fermanova to board her scheduled flight, according to the affidavit. She returned to the U.S. and was arrested July 15 on a warrant signed by a federal magistrate in Brooklyn.
Scott Palmer, Fermanova's lawyer, said the allegations were "really silly," and claimed that Fermanova's husband simply intended to resell the night vision scopes, possibly to hunters, according to The Smoking Gun.
The Smoking Gun reports that Fermanova divides her time between Russia and Texas, where her parents reside. Her Facebook page states that Fermanova graduated from Ogle School of Hair Skin and Nails in 2005. She reportedly has a cosmetology license that expires next August.
According to the Daily News, Fermanova is currently under house arrest.
http://bumpshack.com/2010/07/28/anna-fermanova-photos-new-russian-femme-fatale-spy/
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20011823-504083.html
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