Espionage in the US National Guard, federal prosecutors say Kansas National Guard soldier Canyon Anthony Amaris was arrested for agreeing to photograph a Fort Riley military site and procure a helicopter radio for transfer to Russian military contacts. Amaris was arrested on October 28 and has appeared in federal court in the District of Kansas.
Timeline & key facts
- Feb 2025 — Amaris met with a person he believed to be a Russian intelligence officer and signed a one-page agreement.
- Mar 2025 — He purchased a helicopter radio and traveled to Kansas to arrange export via a contact in Romania.
- Oct 28, 2025 — Arrest; the radio was seized under a court-authorized search.
- Investigation led by FBI Kansas City, U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, Kansas National Guard and other agencies.
Espionage in the US National Guard
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Canyon Anthony Amaris (Kansas National Guard) |
| Arrest date | Oct 28, 2025 |
| Charges | Attempted unlicensed export of military equipment; violation of export control reform law |
| Equipment | Helicopter communications radio (controlled technology) |
| Potential penalties | Federal prison term and fines |
| Lead agencies | FBI, Army Counterintelligence Command, Bureau of Industry and Security (DOC) |
Why it matters (bullet points)
- Export violations endanger U.S. military security.
- Transfer of comms gear can enhance adversary capabilities.
- Case illustrates attempts to recruit or exploit service members by foreign intelligence.
- Interagency enforcement highlights the seriousness of such threats.
Transfer Controlled Equipment to Russia: Arrest in Kansas
Failing to stop such schemes risks loss of critical technologies and equipment, undermines force protection, and provides hostile intelligence services new avenues of influence — weakening national and allied security and increasing the likelihood of similar recruitment attempts.