BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: COMPLETED POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK

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