Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has seized over 350 internet domains allegedly used for the illegal importation of switches and silencers from China. These items violate the National Firearms Act, and the unauthorized use of the “Glock” trademark breaches federal laws against trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Switches are components designed to convert semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic machine guns, while silencers suppress the sound of a firearm when discharged. The possession and importation of these items from certain countries, including China, are prohibited under U.S. law.
According to court documents, HSI New England special agents began targeting multiple websites, businesses, and individuals in August 2023 for selling, offering for sale, importing, and exporting machine gun conversion devices illegally. It is alleged that HSI agents made undercover purchases from these websites to confirm their involvement in selling prohibited items. The contraband was reportedly shipped from China to government-controlled mailboxes in the United States with false descriptions such as “necklace” and “toys” to conceal their illegal nature.
“Our office remains committed to protecting our communities from the dangers posed by illegal firearms and firearm accessories,” said acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The seizure of these domains is a critical step in disrupting the flow of dangerous contraband that threatens public safety.”
“These websites represent a large-scale effort to import illegal switches and silencers,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “HSI has worked diligently with our partners to dismantle this network of websites.”
“The results of this investigation have led to the seizure of over 700 devices that convert firearms into machine guns, 87 illegal suppressors, 59 handguns, 36 long guns, as well as 355 websites used for trafficking these items,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.
It is further alleged that many website domains trafficked counterfeit goods using Glock's trademark without authorization by offering purported "Glock" switches for sale despite Glock never manufacturing such switches.
HSI special agents established probable cause to seize more than 350 domains connected with importing switches and silencers illegally. Visitors to these sites will now be directed to a landing page indicating domain seizure.
Krol, Levy, and Larco-Ward announced this on September 11th. The investigation was led by HSI New England’s Boston Cyber Crimes group with assistance from various federal agencies including U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Massachusetts State Police; Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; along with cooperation from Glock Inc.
HSI continues its commitment alongside partners to combat cybercrime through persistence, cooperation, and innovative techniques aimed at maintaining internet integrity while protecting American consumers.
