U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual | U.S. Department of Justice
A man from suburban Chicago has been sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for illegally exporting firearm parts to Israel. Amin Betuni, 37, shipped these parts on at least three occasions in 2022. The shipments included rifle barrels, gas blocks for rifles, and bolt carrier groups. To conceal the illegal exports, Betuni provided false information on shipping labels and hid the firearm parts within packages containing auto parts or George Foreman grills.
The firearm components were listed on the United States Commerce Control List and required a license or written approval from the Department of Commerce for exportation to Israel. Betuni did not obtain such authorization before making his shipments.
In December 2022, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Betuni's residence in Palos Hills, Illinois. They discovered over 1,200 rounds of assorted ammunition, various firearms including a shotgun, rifle, and handgun, additional bolt carrier groups, and three firearm conversion devices known as "Glock switches," which enable firearms to fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull.
Betuni pleaded guilty earlier this year to knowingly and fraudulently exporting firearm parts in violation of U.S. laws and regulations. U.S. District Judge John F. Kness sentenced him to 46 months in federal prison.
The sentencing was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations' Chicago office; and Aaron Tambrini, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's Office of Export Enforcement. Several agencies assisted in the investigation including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Palos Hills Police Department.
“Export-control violations are critically important because they undermine federal laws and regulations that seek to protect international security,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit U.S. export-control laws for financial gain.”
"The sentencing of Betuni to 46 months in federal prison for illegally shipping firearm parts highlights the serious consequences of violating export control laws,” said SAC Fitzgerald. “This case underscores the critical importance of strong law enforcement partnerships."
“The sentencing of Amin Betuni sends a strong message to those that violate export controls,” added SAC Tambrini.
