Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
Seven individuals have been charged following a nine-count indictment for allegedly providing false information to federal firearms licensed dealers, as announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The charges stem from an investigation that uncovered 68 firearms, including a suppressor, magazines, and ammunition near the Canadian border in Neche, North Dakota.
Gemale Sheali, 23, of Houston, was the last suspect taken into custody in Chicago and is expected to appear in court there before his arraignment in Houston. Previously arrested were Eddylson Patino, 23; Muhammad Dagha, 22; Abuelgasim Siddig, 23; Omar Farooq, 24; Erik Aguirre, 23; and Andres Ferman, 24—all residing in Houston.
The indictment alleges that since around 2024 the group acquired firearms by falsely claiming to be the actual purchasers when dealing with federal firearms licensed dealers. Two guns linked to this conspiracy were reportedly found in Mexico and Canada.
Patino is accused of obtaining firearms for exportation out of the United States while Dagha allegedly recruited others to purchase them on Patino's behalf. Both face charges of conspiracy and aiding and abetting false information provision to firearm dealers.
Siddig, Farooq, Aguirre, Sheali, and Ferman are charged with conspiracy and providing false information during firearm acquisitions. Each faces up to five years imprisonment per count along with a possible $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) offices in Houston and Fargo alongside Border Patrol agents. Assistance came from Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Canadian law enforcement officials as well as the Houston Police Department.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith will prosecute this case aided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee from North Dakota’s district office.
An indictment serves as an official accusation but does not equate guilt until proven through legal proceedings where defendants remain innocent until convicted.
