National Guardsman Arrested for Attempting to Provide Military Technology to Russia

A National Guardsman from New Mexico stands accused of attempting to provide sensitive American military technology and photographs to Russian intelligence, marking yet another troubling breach of national security by individuals entrusted with defending this nation.

Canyon Anthony Amarys, 28, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempting to violate the Export Control Reform Act. Federal prosecutors allege that Amarys photographed sensitive installations at Fort Riley, Kansas, and attempted to transmit these images to an individual he believed to be a Russian intelligence officer.

The case unfolded through a carefully orchestrated Federal Bureau of Investigation undercover operation. According to the indictment unsealed this week, Amarys met with an undercover federal employee in February at a hotel in Overland Park, Kansas. During that meeting, prosecutors say, he signed a written agreement establishing what he understood to be a covert relationship with Russian intelligence services.

The undercover agent provided Amarys with several thousand dollars in cash. These funds were designated for two specific purposes: the purchase of a Garmin GTR-205 helicopter radio and the photographing of installations at Fort Riley. Prosecutors allege that Amarys agreed to provide the radio specifically for use by the Russian military.

Following the February meeting, Amarys allegedly traveled to Fort Riley and photographed what he believed to be sensitive American military equipment. The FBI monitored and recorded this activity as part of its ongoing investigation.

In March, according to federal prosecutors, Amarys purchased the requested helicopter radio, packaged it, and transported it to a postal facility in Junction City, Kansas. He intended to mail the device to Romania, which investigators assert would have served as an intermediary destination before the radio was diverted to Russia.

Before attempting to ship the equipment, Amarys participated in a recorded conversation with the undercover operative. During this exchange, prosecutors say, he confirmed his understanding that the radio would be illegally diverted to Russia. He further acknowledged having researched export regulations prior to his February meeting, suggesting premeditation and awareness of the illegal nature of his intended actions.

Amarys made his initial court appearance Thursday in the District of Kansas. If convicted, he faces significant federal penalties under the Export Control Reform Act, which governs the export of sensitive technology and equipment that could enhance foreign military capabilities.

This case represents the latest in a concerning pattern of American service members allegedly compromising national security. The charges come at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Russia, particularly given ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the broader geopolitical competition between Washington and Moscow.

The Export Control Reform Act exists precisely to prevent sensitive American technology from reaching adversarial nations. When individuals sworn to protect this country instead attempt to provide aid to foreign intelligence services, they betray not only their oath but every American who depends on the integrity of our national defense.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Amarys is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.