International firearms trafficker in Sarasota sentenced to 2 years, 9 months in federal prison

TAMPA, FLORIDA – On August 4, 69 year-old Vladimir Volgaev, of Sarasota, Florida was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison for theft of government property and smuggling goods from the United States, in violation of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

“HSI special agents are committed to combating the illegal smuggling of firearm parts that fuel violence both domestically and abroad,” said HSI Tampa acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs.

According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, between 2011 and 2018, Vladimir Volgaev, shipped more than 1,600 firearm components, including barrels, slides, receivers, and frames, from the United States to Ukraine. These components were used to construct fully functional firearms, including handguns and rifles. While engaged in this conduct, Volgaev lived in housing subsidized by HUD. In periodic renewal applications, Volgaev lied to HUD about his personal finances, including the income he had gained from illicit firearm trafficking.

The court also ordered Volgaev to forfeit $6,835, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. Volgaev had pleaded guilty to the charges on August 19, 2019.

The case was prosecuted by the office of United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, Middle District Florida, Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.