A Russian court sentenced a US citizen to five years in prison after he crossed the border with a weapon. The man sailed from the United States to meet a Russian woman he met online. Court officials identified him as Charles Wayne Zimmerman. He admitted guilt during the hearing. He told judges the rifle stayed on his yacht for self-defence. He also said he did not know Russian law.
Zimmerman began his voyage in July 2024 from North Carolina. He sailed to Portugal first. He later crossed the Mediterranean and Black seas. He reached the southern port of Sochi in June 2025. Court officers said Zimmerman planned to meet a woman from Kazan. He chose to travel by yacht instead of flying. He failed to study local weapons rules before departure.
Investigators seized a rifle and Remington cartridges from the vessel. Authorities released video footage from the operation. The clip showed Zimmerman seated on the yacht with a water bottle. The Sochi court delivered the verdict in the Krasnodar region. Officials said the sentence reflected strict border and arms regulations.
Reuters could not contact Zimmerman for comment. The US embassy also gave no immediate response. The case highlights risks faced by foreign sailors. Experts urge travelers to verify laws before international voyages.
