INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Blue Lantern Level 3: Completed Post-Shipment End-Use Check

Published: Mon 11 Feb 2008 11:12 AM
VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHMO #0359 0421112
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 111112Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6509
INFO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RHMFIUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS MOSCOW 000359
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR PM/DDTC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC RS KOMC
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: COMPLETED POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK
ON LICENSE 05-1009959
REF: 07 STATE 32029
1. (U) Summary: Mikhail Andreyev, Director General of Okhotnik and
Rybolov, confirmed the delivery of rifles imported under license
05-1009959. Subsequently, we verified the bona fides of Okhotnik
and Rybolov and recommend it as a reliable end-user of United States
Munitions List (USML) items. Local Russian law enforcement reports
that Okhotnik and Rybolov carries all of the necessary permits to
import and sell firearms and told us that they did not have any
derogatory information on the conduct of this firm. End Summary.
2. (U) In an April 11, 2007, meeting, Okhotnik and Rybolov General
Director Mikhail Andreyev confirmed to us the delivery of the rifles
under license 05-1009959. Andreyev told us that all 31 rifles had
already been resold. The company's customers are all domestic
hunters.
3. (U) Andreyev showed us where the rifles were stored, which is on
the premises of the store location at ulitsa Miklukho-Maklaya,
Building 18, Entrance 1, in Moscow. The store has an alarm system
linked to the police and each weapons rack/cabinet has its own
security alarm. The store has reinforced walls and very heavy
double-doors with high security locks in the weapons storage areas.
4. (U) Okhotnik and Rybolov was established in 2004 and has been
importing foreign hunting weapons since 2005. Principal officers
include Andreyev and the owner, Vladimir Shchigorets. Both live in
the Moscow area. Besides the United States, the store imports from
Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and France. Andreyev told us
most customers of Okhotnik and Rybolov were from the Moscow area and
all were Russian Federation citizens. The company maintins an
accurate registry book of its clients with detailed records.
5. (U) Andreyev provided us with copies of licensing documents that
give Okhotnik and Rybolov the right to import weapons. We scanned
and emailed these documents to PM/DTCC Adam Arnett.
6. (U) The International Relations Division of the Moscow City
Police Department confirmed the bona fides of Okhotnik and Rybolov
and informed us they have no derogatory information regarding this
company. Okhotnik and Rybolov has all necessary licenses and
permits to conduct its business.
7. (U) Andreyev and Shchigorets told us they were familiar with the
restrictions governing the import of USML commodities, and in
particular the prohibition of unauthorized re-export. We recommend
Okhotnik and Rybolov as a reliable end-user of USML items.
BURNS
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