Andre was going to Armenia to visit his then-fiancée. Because of the security situation in the country, he packed his licensed pistol, following airline guidance for how to do so legally and safely. His Aeroflot flight transited in Moscow and he needed to access his checked luggage to obtain some medicine. At that point Russian officials saw the checked firearm. Despite the fact Andre was fully complying with the law and airline regulations, Russian officials tricked Andre into leaving the In Transit area and coming to their office to discuss it. When he crossed into Russia, he was arrested.