Agha Muhammad Khan Durrani, Arms Export Control Act Violation, NY 2024

A federal grand jury has indicted Agha Muhammad Khan Durrani, 27, of Pakistan, on charges of violating the Arms Export Control Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and making false statements during an attempt to unlawfully export assault rifle accessories. The case, unsealed in Buffalo, New York, alleges Durrani tried to smuggle high-capacity weapons components across the U.S.-Canada border with plans to ship them to Pakistan—without the required federal license.

On July 19, 2016, Durrani and his father were turned back by Canadian authorities at the border and escorted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Rainbow Bridge. Durrani claimed they were returning assault rifle accessories and a scope to Cabela’s Sporting Goods in Cheektowaga, NY—a story that quickly unraveled under scrutiny. The items included assault rifle rail systems, grips, mounting systems, buffer systems, stocks, hand guards, and backup lights—all classified under the U.S. Munitions List and subject to strict export controls.

Durrani told CBP agents the parts were for personal use, including hunting and defending family property in Pakistan. But a forensic sweep of his cellphone revealed damning evidence: photos of multiple assault rifles, handguns, and weapon components. One image showed a Nightforce BEAST 5-25x56mm F1 Riflescope listed on Amazon.com with the note, “This item does not ship to Canada. Please check other sellers who may ship internationally.”

Further digital evidence pulled from Durrani’s email uncovered a July 14, 2016, exchange about a $10,800 shipment of weapons accessories ready for pickup in Thailand. In the message, Durrani stated he was in Canada and would delay collection. Investigators say the communication confirms a larger arms trafficking network and undermines Durrani’s claim of personal use.

Despite initially denying commercial intent, Durrani later admitted he operates a business in Pakistan selling firearms, ammunition, and accessories. That admission, combined with the digital trail, formed the backbone of the federal case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, leading the prosecution, emphasized that unlicensed export of military-grade weapon parts poses a serious national security threat.

Durrani was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder and ordered detained pending trial. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and Customs and Border Protection. The indictment underscores federal efforts to crack down on illegal arms trafficking through high-risk border crossings. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.