A suburban Chicago resident, Amin Betuni, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for illegally exporting firearm parts to Israel. The sentencing was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, alongside other law enforcement officials.
Betuni shipped rifle barrels, gas blocks for rifles, and bolt carrier groups on at least three occasions in 2022. He concealed these items within packages labeled as auto parts or George Foreman grills and did not obtain the necessary license or approval from the Department of Commerce for export.
In December 2022, a search of Betuni's home in Palos Hills revealed over 1,200 rounds of ammunition and several firearms. Authorities also found additional bolt carrier groups and firearm conversion devices known as "Glock switches."
Betuni pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges related to fraudulent exportation of firearm parts. U.S. District Judge John F. Kness handed down the sentence on Thursday.
Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual emphasized the importance of adhering to export-control laws: “Export-control violations are critically important because they undermine federal laws and regulations that seek to protect international security.”
Sean Fitzgerald from Homeland Security Investigations stated: "The sentencing of Betuni... highlights the serious consequences of violating export control laws.” Aaron Tambrini from the U.S. Department of Commerce noted that this case sends a strong message against illegal trade practices.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Industry and Security’s Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Protection, and local police departments.