In a significant law enforcement operation, Yaroslav Vishnevski, 31, of Harrisburg, has been indicted on multiple federal charges related to the possession, manufacturing, and importation of unregistered firearms. The charges come as part of an ongoing effort by federal and state authorities to crack down on illegal gun trafficking.
A federal grand jury has charged Vishnevski with three counts of receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm, one count of manufacturing a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon without paying the required special occupancy tax, one count of illegal importation of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
“Individuals who produce privately-made firearms (PMF) must adhere to state and federal laws to register the devices to help ensure responsible ownership,” stated U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our state and federal partners to combat unlawful gun trafficking.”
Illinois State Police with assistance from ATF and Homeland Security Investigations conducted a controlled delivery of the silencers to Vishnevski’s address and executed a search warrant of his home on May 2.During the search, law enforcement officers discovered a trove of firearm-related paraphernalia, including a rifle with another unregistered silencer attached, three 3D printers, suspected 3D-printed silencers, 3D-printed firearm frames and receivers in different stages of manufacturing, and two privately-made, unregistered short-barreled rifles.
The search also revealed a CNC machine, commonly referred to as a Ghost Gunner, typically used to manufacture firearm receivers and complete firearm production. The presence of such sophisticated machinery underscores the complexity and scale of Vishnevski’s alleged operations.
“Importing and the manufacturing of unregistered NFA devices is illegal. Possession of unregistered NFA devices is illegal. Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number is illegal,” emphasized ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard G. Hansen. “A case like this demonstrates the immense value of collaborative law enforcement efforts in curbing gun violence in our communities.”
The government is seeking forfeiture of Vishnevski’s 9-millimeter Glock, a PMF AR-9 style rifle, a PMF AR-15 style rifle, and a 12-gauge short-barreled shotgun, adding further legal pressure on the accused.
HSI Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald reiterated the broader public safety implications, saying, “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our communities, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that the people who possess weapons have acquired them in compliance with all laws and regulations.”
Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly also highlighted the evolving capabilities of state law enforcement, stating, “Special agents of the Illinois State Police are continuously getting stronger and better at pursuing gun trafficking of any type, whether on a large or small scale, and we will sustain this effort with our federal partners to identify, investigate, and stop those who flood our communities with illegal guns.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Bloodworth is prosecuting the case, and the investigation continues with contributions from multiple federal and state entities.
Relevant articles:
– Harrisburg man indicted for allegedly possessing, manufacturing, importing unregistered firearms – KBSI Fox 23 Cape … , KBSI Fox 23 Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News, 05/24/2024
– Harrisburg man indicted by feds for illegal gun making, 101.5 CIL-FM, 05/23/2024
– Harrisburg Man Accused of Unlawful Gun Possession and Manufacturing, x95radio.com, 05/23/2024
– Harrisburg Man Indicted on Multiple Firearms Charges, Shore News Network, 05/23/2024
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