[CRIMES] Export Horror Stories – When Compliance Gets Scary

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shales Guest: Josh Rodman, Attorney at Schulz Trade Law Published: October 29, 2025 Presented by: Global Training Center Length: 28 minutes Episode Summary In this Halloween Week special, the Simply Trade hosts dig into real-life trade horror stories that will make any exporter’s blood run cold. Attorney Josh Rodman from Schulz Trade Law joins Lalo and Andy to share two spine-chilling case studies where export compliance went sideways — despite good intentions. From ballistic helmets misclassified under the wrong ECCN to shipments to Russia caught in the tangled web of ever-changing export controls, this episode proves that in trade, even honest mistakes can summon costly consequences. Josh explains how voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) can save a company from financial nightmares and why staying current with export regulations is critical to avoid getting haunted by unexpected investigations or penalties. This episode blends legal insight with cautionary tales — perfect for your Halloween listening lineup! Key Topics Real-world export control “horror stories” Misclassification of military equipment under ECCNs Voluntary Self-Disclosures (VSDs) and how they mitigate penalties OFAC subpoenas and overlapping U.S. government investigations Russian sanctions, HTS code–based restrictions, and transshipment red flags How exporters can protect themselves through due diligence and expert review Resources & Mentions Schulz Trade Law Export Administration Regulations (EAR) OFAC – U.S. Treasury Sanctions Programs U.S. Department of Commerce – BIS Global Training Center 🎧 Credits Hosts: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guests: Josh Rodman - Schulz Trade Law Producer: Lalo Solorzano   📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay up to date with Simply Trade — the podcast that makes international trade easy to understand (and sometimes spooky 👻). 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Global Training Center LinkedIn Join the Trade Geeks Community