Federal prosecutors in Boston recently announced the seizure of two internet domains and two cryptocurrency accounts allegedly connected to an international gun smuggling operation originating in China. According to the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office, the seized assets were used to facilitate the illegal importation and sale of machine gun conversion devices, commonly referred to as “switches” or “sears.” These small but highly regulated components are designed to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns, making their possession and importation illegal under federal law.
As part of the investigation, authorities confiscated more than 3,000 machine gun conversion devices, along with 282 firearms, 124 silencers, and over 12,000 rounds of ammunition. Federal officials indicated that, over the past several years, law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on websites, businesses, and individuals involved in the sale and distribution of these devices, particularly those operating through online platforms and encrypted payment methods.
Investigators allege that the seized website domains were actively used to sell the conversion devices through undercover purchases. The vendors reportedly relied on cryptocurrency accounts to process payments, a method prosecutors say was intended to obscure the source and destination of the funds. To conceal the alleged illegal importation, authorities claim the devices were hidden inside air cargo shipments from China and delivered to government-controlled mailboxes in the United States. The items were allegedly packaged alongside other goods and were not properly declared to U.S. Customs.
In addition to firearms-related violations, the government alleges the websites trafficked counterfeit goods and unlawfully used the Glock, Inc. trademark by advertising so-called “Glock switches.” Federal officials emphasized that Glock has never manufactured such devices, raising potential trademark and fraud issues alongside the firearms charges.
Ultimately, prosecutors assert they established probable cause to seize the domains and cryptocurrency funds as assets connected to the alleged scheme. The case underscores the broad scope of federal firearms enforcement and highlights how online activity, digital payments, and international shipping practices are increasingly scrutinized in criminal investigations. For individuals facing federal weapons or forfeiture allegations, these cases often involve complex legal and constitutional issues that require careful analysis and an experienced defense.
Contact our international criminal defense team today for a confidential consultation. Your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line. At Dhar Law, LLP, our firm has extensive experience defending individuals charged with complex federal and international criminal charges including weapons and cryptocurrency crimes.
Contact us today at 617-880-6155 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you.
