Rochester, N.Y. – In a shocking case of international arms trafficking, a German national has been sentenced to time served in a U.S. District Court. Karl Kleber, 64, of Lisbon, Portugal, was found guilty of smuggling goods into the United States.
The defendant was convicted of importing over 5,000 Chinese-manufactured, 75 round capacity AK-47 rifle drum magazines into the United States from March 2008 to October 2008. Kleber worked with co-defendant Gary Hyde to import the magazines, which were then sold to American Tactical Imports, Inc. in Rochester.
The investigation revealed that Kleber and Hyde negotiated a deal with a Chinese firearms manufacturer to make the magazines, while representing that they were manufactured in Bulgaria. The magazines were then offered for sale to American Tactical Imports, Inc., despite knowing that they could not be imported into the United States because they were manufactured in China.
Kleber will also forfeit $345,600 as part of his sentence. This is a significant blow to the international arms trafficking ring, and a major victory for law enforcement agencies.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division.
Gary Hyde, Kleber’s co-defendant, was previously convicted and sentenced. The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of international arms trafficking and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
Karl Kleber’s crime: Smuggling goods into the United States. City and state: Rochester, New York. Date: Not specified. Sentence: Time served. Forfeiture: $345,600.
The investigation and sentencing of Karl Kleber highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat international arms trafficking. This case serves as a warning to those involved in such activities, and demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. government to protecting its citizens and enforcing its laws.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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