Additional charges laid over firearms parts importation
An additional 37 charges have been brought against a 44-year-old Berowra man who faced court in August 2019 after allegedly importing firearms parts into Australia, bringing the total number of charges to 40.
The man was arrested on 9 August 2019 and at the time and charged with three counts of importing Tier 2 goods without lawful authorisation, contrary to section 233BAB (5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth).
More information on the arrest and previous charges can be found at this media release.
As a result of further examinations after the initial arrest, AFP forensic and technical experts constructed three firearms (an assault rifle, a pump-action shotgun and a self-loading pistol) from parts seized during the investigation. Investigators also identified additional firearms parts that had been imported.
These examinations led to additional charges being filed in Downing Centre Local Court on 3 March and confirmed in Court yesterday (Tuesday, 17 March 2020).
The 37 additional charges are:
- Six counts of importing Tier 2 goods without lawful authorisation, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901.
- One count of unauthorised possession of a firearm, contrary to section 51D(2) of the Firearms Act (NSW).
- Six counts of unauthorised possession or use of a prohibited weapon, contrary to section 7(1) of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998.
- 21 counts of acquisition of firearm parts, contrary to section 50AA(1) of the Firearms Act (NSW).
- Three counts of possessing ammunition, contrary to section 65(3) of the Firearms Act (NSW).
The man is next due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on 14 April 2020.
Media enquiries
AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297