A New Hampshire-based company, KBC Capital, LLC, operating under the name "Lethal Eye," has been sentenced for violating the National Firearms Act (NFA) by distributing components used to assemble firearm silencers. The sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, who imposed a three-year probation period and a $260,000 fine on the company.
In September 2024, KBC admitted guilt to 26 counts of transferring firearms in violation of the NFA. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy stated that "silencers allow for the proliferation in criminal activity by reducing the sound of gunfire and affecting the ability to identify the location and source of a shot." He added that KBC's actions had flooded streets with dangerous devices and impeded law enforcement efforts.
James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Boston Field Division emphasized that suppressors pose significant threats to public safety when in the wrong hands. He noted that "today’s sentence reinforces ATF’s commitment to arresting and prosecuting individuals who violate the NFA statutes."
Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations in New England remarked on each illicit silencer's potential for violent use and highlighted companies' duty within firearms trade to adhere to regulations ensuring a lawful industry.
Ketty Larco-Ward from the United States Postal Inspection Service expressed commitment to preventing illicit distribution through postal services: "The sentence handed down in this case serves as a reminder that postal inspectors...remain steadfast in our resolve to protect our communities from dangerous weapons."
Stephen Belleau from Drug Enforcement Administration underscored DEA's dedication alongside partners in targeting those involved with selling dangerous devices: "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop illegal activities so our communities can be safe places."
KBC operated under "Lethal Eye," marketing various firearm accessories including one labeled as a “muzzle break” which served as part of a silencer system interoperable with other products available on their website. In August 2023, authorities recovered 327 items classified as illegal firearm silencers during a search at Lethal Eye’s business premises.
The NFA regulates certain transactions deemed more dangerous due their association with criminal activity at its enactment time requiring registration with Attorney General among other stipulations such as taxes on making/transferring these firearms or occupational tax applicable only specific Federal Firearms Licensees classes authorized manufacture/importation/dealing them legally.
United States Attorney Levy along with representatives from ATF SAC Ferguson; HSI SAC Krol; USPIS INC Larco-Ward; DEA Acting SAC Belleau announced this development while acknowledging assistance provided Nashua (N.H.) Hollis (Mass.) Police Departments Assistant U.S Attorney Evan Panich prosecutes case further proceedings anticipated follow accordingly.