Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan have seized LAFAUTO.com after an international arms-trafficking investigation. Readers who frequent social media may have likely seen the company’s advertisements for fuel and oil filters with the same profile as legal suppressors and identical thread patterns. While HSI has been aggressive in the seizure of Internet sites used to facilitate the sale of counterfeit goods, this seizure is the first instance in which a website wholly dedicated to illegal arms components has been seized by the agency.
HSI determined that more than 350 suppressors seized by law enforcement across the county were purchased from the website and smuggled into the United States from China as automotive parts. Without a proper BATFE tax stamp, they are illegal to purchase and possession is not allowed in some states. The website advertised the suppressors as automotive components, but images on the site clearly resembled firearms components.
“Investigating international arms trafficking is among HSI’s highest priorities,” said Vance Callender, HIS special agent in charge of Michigan and Ohio. “This website, operated from China, blatantly disregarded our customs law, smuggled illegal silencers into our country, and placed the American public at risk.”
The bargain-basement prices reflected quality, making the units a dubious safety decision. Unknowing enthusiasts visiting the website are now greeted by a message from ICE that states it has been seized by order of a warrant issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. For those who inadvertently purchased one of the items it advises, “The possession of a silencer sold by LAFAUTO.com is a violation of federal law. If you are in possession of a silencer sold by LAFAUTO.com you should contact your nearest HSI and AFT office.”
Law abiding citizens can legally add a suppressor to their collection—subject to local and state laws—by purchasing from a licensed dealer and filing the paperwork and undergoing the additional background checks required. If approved, and once the required BATFE tax stamp has been received, then it is legal take possession.
There are plenty of quality suppressors you can legally purchase today, including the OSS Suppressors HX-QD 556Ti, SureFire SF Ryder 9-Ti2 and more.