- Kremlin-linked businessman Artem Uss, accused of exporting American military technology to Russia, escaped to Moscow after Italy granted him house arrest despite U.S. warnings.
- Uss evaded Italian police using cars and an international network of helpers including a Serbian criminal gang.
- The affair has created friction between the U.S. and Italy, denting efforts by Rome to present itself as a reliable partner in the West’s confrontation with Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
- Uss is the most politically well-connected Russian in Western custody to have escaped since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- Uss's escape has robbed the U.S. of a potentially valuable asset in prisoner exchanges for Americans held in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who the U.S. government deems wrongfully detained.
How a High-Value Russian Wanted by the U.S. Escaped From Italy
Artem Uss was awaiting extradition to the U.S. Italy’s failure to hold on to him has left red faces in Rome.
Eric Sylvers and Mar
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