In a significant crackdown on illegally imported firearm accessories, federal authorities based out of Boston have seized over 350 website domains reportedly linked to the trafficking of unauthorized switches and silencers from China, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. These devices are heavily regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) due to their ability to transform pistols into fully automatic weapons or mute the discharge sound of firearms, and their importation from nations like China is strictly forbidden. Boston's law enforcement's undercover purchases confirmed that these domains were actively used in the sale of such illegal items, managing to have the contraband shipped into the U.S. under disguised descriptions like "necklace" and "toys."
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy underscored the government's commitment to community safety: "Our office remains committed to protecting our communities from the dangers posed by illegal firearms and firearm accessories, wherever the evidence takes us," he explained. "The seizure of these domains is a critical step in disrupting the flow of dangerous contraband that threatens public safety," as mentioned in the same press release. The operation was complex, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, and resulted in the seizure of more than 700 machinegun conversion devices, 87 illegal suppressors, as well as an array of handguns and long guns.
Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England also commented on the effort, stating, "These websites represent a large-scale, organized effort to import illegal switches and silencers that turn ordinary firearms into deadly automatic weapons." He emphasized HSI's determination to collaborate with partners to eliminate these virtual platforms that violate import laws and threaten public safety, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ATF, and the Massachusetts State Police also played critical roles in the investigation, which exposed the wide-ranging scheme.
The illegal activities included trafficking counterfeit items and falsely using the Glock, Inc. trademark by offering switches that the company doesn't manufacture. This added to the complexity of the case involving online illicit arms modification. The seized domains were involved in this deceptive and dangerous operation. Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, praised the postal service’s role, stating, "The Postal Inspection Service is committed to working with our state and federal partners to identify those who use the Postal Service to traffic these weapons, remove these illicit items from the mail, and increase the safety of our communities and the Postal Service employees who serve them," as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
