Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
Federal authorities in Boston have seized two internet domains and two cryptocurrency accounts that were allegedly used to import illegal machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) and silencers from China. These MCDs, also referred to as “switches” or “sears,” are designed to convert semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic machineguns. The importation and possession of these items from certain countries, including China, is prohibited under the National Firearms Act.
According to court documents, federal investigators began targeting websites, businesses, and individuals involved in selling or importing these devices starting in 2023. Undercover purchases confirmed that the targeted domains were being used for illegal sales. Authorities also identified cryptocurrency accounts associated with the vendors facilitating these transactions.
The investigation found that contraband items were smuggled from China to government-controlled mailboxes in the United States using air cargo shipments. The MCDs were concealed among other goods and not properly declared with U.S. Customs.
It is also alleged that the website domains trafficked counterfeit goods and misused the Glock, Inc. trademark by offering so-called “Glock” switches for sale, despite Glock never having manufactured such switches.
Authorities established probable cause to seize both the internet domains and funds within related cryptocurrency wallets connected to this scheme. Now, visitors attempting to access these websites will see a notice indicating that the domain has been seized.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: "To date, the operation led by the District of Massachusetts targeting MCD vendors, has led to the seizure of approximately 360 internet domains and over 3,000 MCDs, 282 firearms, 124 silencers, over 12,000 rounds ammunition and approximately 125 investigative referrals."
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annapurna Balakrishna of the Asset Recovery Unit and Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit obtained the seizure warrants in this case.
