Nine People Facing Federal Charges

Nine individuals are facing federal charges for allegedly running a massive gun-running scheme to smuggle heavy firepower into Mexico. It’s a ridiculous case that exposes just how easy it is to buy guns and lie about who they’re for.

The Scheme

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, seven people from Arizona, a Montana man, and a California man worked together to buy guns for other people between March 2020 and January 2024. They’d purchase firearms, then hand them over to someone else – a clear violation of the law. The defendants allegedly fabricated documents to make it look like they were the actual buyers.

The group conspired to purchase over 15 firearms, including 10 belt-fed semiautomatic and at least three Barrett .50 caliber rifles. These aren’t your average guns – they’re heavy firepower that can do some serious damage. And they were all destined for Mexico, where they’d likely end up in the hands of criminal organizations.

Law Enforcement Steps In

Law enforcement officials seized six of the firearms in July 2023, and the Government of Mexico seized another one in March 2025. The suspects were finally taken into custody on January 27, 2026. Each of the nine individuals is charged with conspiracy to commit the offense of material false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

If convicted, they’re looking at up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. It’s a stiff penalty, but it’s nothing compared to the damage these guns could have done in the wrong hands.