Federal authorities in Boston have shut down two websites and frozen two cryptocurrency accounts linked to the illegal importation of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) from China. Moreover, these devices—commonly called “switches” or “auto sears”—convert semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic machine guns, which violates the National Firearms Act (NFA).
According to court documents, the investigation began in 2023 and uncovered a sophisticated smuggling network. For instance, vendors used the seized domains to advertise and sell machine gun conversion devices, including counterfeit items falsely labeled as “Glock” switches. However, Glock, Inc. has never manufactured such parts—a fact that highlights the deceptive nature of the operation.
To avoid detection, traffickers concealed the contraband inside air cargo shipments from China. Specifically, they packed MCDs with ordinary goods and shipped them to government-controlled mailboxes in the U.S. Critically, they never declared these firearms-related items to U.S. Customs, making the imports both illegal and dangerous.
Meanwhile, undercover agents made test purchases through the websites to confirm their role in the scheme. As a result, investigators traced the cryptocurrency wallets used to process payments. Consequently, federal prosecutors obtained seizure warrants for both the domains and digital assets.
The operation delivered significant results: 3,093 machine gun conversion devices, 282 firearms, 124 silencers, and over 12,000 rounds of ammunition. In addition, visitors to the seized sites now see an official takedown notice from federal authorities.
This case is part of a broader crackdown led by the District of Massachusetts. To date, the initiative has seized approximately 360 internet domains and generated 125 investigative referrals nationwide. Therefore, it represents one of the largest coordinated efforts against online MCD trafficking in recent years.
“Machine gun conversion devices pose a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. “We will continue to dismantle online networks that traffic illegal weapons.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the DEA spearheaded the probe. Furthermore, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annapurna Balakrishna and Luke A. Goldworm secured the seizure warrants.
Because MCDs turn everyday handguns into automatic weapons, federal law strictly prohibits their possession and importation—especially from countries like China. In fact, the NFA classifies them as “machineguns,” requiring registration and taxation that most sellers and buyers completely ignore.
With e-commerce and cryptocurrency enabling anonymous, cross-border arms trafficking, agencies are increasingly targeting the digital infrastructure behind these crimes—not just the physical contraband. Ultimately, disrupting payment systems and online storefronts may prove more effective than intercepting individual packages.
