A Kansas National Guard soldier has been charged in federal court for allegedly attempting to assist the Russian military by providing sensitive U.S. defense information and illegally exporting military equipment overseas.
According to an indictment unsealed Thursday, 28-year-old Canyon Amarys, a resident of Alamogordo, New Mexico, is accused of conspiring to deliver classified or controlled materials to an individual he believed to be connected to Russian intelligence. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Amarys’ actions posed a potential national security threat and violated federal export control laws intended to protect sensitive military technology from reaching foreign adversaries.
Alleged Attempts to Aid Russia
Court documents state that Amarys met with a person he thought was a Russian operative and agreed to assist them by gathering and providing information about Fort Riley, a major U.S. Army installation in Kansas. Fort Riley, located near Manhattan, Kansas, is home to the 1st Infantry Division and serves as a critical site for training and logistics operations.
Prosecutors allege that Amarys photographed parts of the base and discussed plans to supply additional information that could be of interest to the Russian military. Investigators said he also purchased a helicopter radio system, which he intended to send illegally to Romania—a transfer that authorities believe was designed to conceal its ultimate destination and potential use.
Federal Investigation and Recovery of Military Equipment
The investigation into Amarys’ activities was led by the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office, working in close coordination with U.S. Army Counterintelligence, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, and other federal agencies responsible for safeguarding national security assets.
Agents executed a court-authorized search during the course of the investigation, during which they recovered the helicopter radio that Amarys allegedly planned to export. The device, which falls under restricted U.S. military equipment regulations, cannot legally be transferred to foreign entities without a federal license.
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“The Export Control Reform Act is a cornerstone of America’s national security framework,” prosecutors said in a statement. “It ensures that sensitive U.S. military technology cannot be sent abroad where it might be used against U.S. service members or allies.”
Charges and Potential Penalties
Amarys has been charged with attempting to violate the Export Control Reform Act, a federal law that governs the export of defense-related technologies, weapons systems, and sensitive equipment. Violations of this act can carry severe penalties, including substantial fines and lengthy prison terms, particularly when national security is implicated.
The indictment accuses Amarys of knowingly attempting to transfer controlled items and information without proper authorization, a violation that prosecutors say reflects “willful disregard” for U.S. export control laws. He has not yet entered a plea, and no court date has been announced as of Thursday evening.
If convicted, Amarys could face up to 20 years in federal prison, along with fines and other penalties determined by the court.
A Growing Concern Over Insider Threats
The case underscores ongoing federal concerns about insider threats within the U.S. military and defense community. While incidents of direct collaboration with foreign intelligence services are rare, officials say they pose a unique challenge because of the trust and access granted to uniformed service members.
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The Department of Justice has pursued several similar cases in recent years involving individuals accused of attempting to pass information or materials to foreign powers, including Russia and China. These cases have ranged from espionage-related charges to export control violations and are part of the broader federal effort to safeguard U.S. defense technology.
A counterintelligence official involved in the Amarys investigation said in a statement that protecting restricted technology remains a top priority:
“Every piece of equipment or technical data developed for the U.S. military represents years of research, taxpayer funding, and national defense capability. Preventing that information from falling into the wrong hands is essential to maintaining our security advantage.”
The Export Control Reform Act Explained
The Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), passed in 2018, provides the legal foundation for regulating the export of dual-use items — technology or materials that can serve both civilian and military purposes. Under the law, individuals and companies must obtain special licenses before sending certain goods or information abroad. Violating ECRA by attempting to export restricted items without authorization is considered a serious federal offense, particularly when the destination involves nations viewed as adversarial to the United States.
The helicopter radio system that Amarys allegedly purchased falls under these restrictions because of its potential use in military aviation operations. Such equipment can contain sensitive communication frequencies or encryption systems that, if compromised, could provide valuable intelligence to foreign militaries.
The Role of Federal Agencies
The investigation into Amarys’ activities involved coordination across multiple government agencies. The FBI, which handles counterintelligence investigations within the United States, took the lead in uncovering the alleged scheme. Army Counterintelligence units provided assistance in assessing the potential military impact of the information and equipment Amarys allegedly sought to share.
Additionally, the Department of Commerce, through its Bureau of Industry and Security, played a key role in tracing the attempted export transaction and determining whether the items in question required an export license.
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Federal officials have credited interagency cooperation with preventing potentially serious breaches of national security. “This case is a reminder that vigilance and information-sharing between agencies are critical in identifying threats early,” one Justice Department spokesperson said.
Awaiting Legal Proceedings
Amarys is currently awaiting his initial court appearance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas is handling the prosecution, while defense counsel has not yet issued a public statement.
Authorities have not disclosed whether additional individuals may be under investigation in connection with the case, though officials said there is no indication of an ongoing threat to military installations or personnel.
A Serious Reminder of National Security Vigilance
The allegations against Canyon Amarys represent one of the latest examples of the federal government’s aggressive stance toward protecting U.S. military technology from foreign influence and illegal export. While the investigation continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by insider threats — and the importance of maintaining strict oversight of sensitive defense materials.
