This text describes an investigation into the illegal export of firearm components from the United States to Japan.Here’s a breakdown of the key events and findings:
The Investigation:
Trigger: An investigative lead from a confidential source indicated that “Co-Conspirator 2” ordered AR-15 lower receiver parts kits and M16 control group kits from M16 Parts Supply LLC.
Evidence: The confidential source provided email correspondence, billing details, and other data related to the sale.
Suspicious Activity: The email address used for the order had a mail delivery address in Honolulu and a billing address in Tokyo,with an IP address originating from Japan.
The Arrest and Seizure:
Tip-off: HSI agents were informed that a person identified as Yamamoto had arrived in Honolulu and was planning to fly back to Japan.
Interception: HSI agents, in coordination with CBP Officers, stopped Yamamoto and Lee (a South Korean citizen) at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport as they were attempting to board a flight to Japan. Discovery: A search of their checked luggage revealed undeclared firearm components, rifle upper receivers, ballistic helmets, infrared lasers, body armor, and other tactical gear.
Detention: approximately 700 firearm components and tactical gear were detained pending a licensing determination.
Yamamoto’s Admissions and Allegations:
Company Ownership: Yamamoto admitted to being the owner of a company called ALCM.
Illicit Purchasing: He admitted to using the credit cards of his employees and co-conspirators to purchase firearm components in the U.S.
Prior Exports: He allegedly admitted to hand-carrying firearm components from the U.S. to Japan in checked luggage on “three to four” prior occasions in 2024.
Lack of Licenses: Yamamoto, Lee, and their three co-conspirators did not possess the necessary licenses or exceptions to export the identified firearm components.
Modification Claims: Yamamoto claimed he modified the firearm parts for Airsoft use and believed no license was needed. However,no evidence of modification was found.
Sourcing: He stated he bought parts from physical stores in Hawaii and online, and that he sourced shipments from the U.S. every three months for personal hobby use.
Further Evidence and Searches:
Honolulu residence Search: HSI agents and Honolulu police searched a co-conspirator’s home in Honolulu, seizing export-controlled radio communications equipment, ballistic helmets, firearm components, packaging materials with ALCM branding, “Made in Japan, For Airsoft Only” stickers, an electronic label maker, and an ALCM employment contract.
Invoices: Invoices were found indicating a planned January 2025 shipment of firearm components and accessories to ALCM’s business address in Tokyo. Tokyo Detention: A box of approximately 40 AR-15 upper receivers, intended for Yamamoto’s business in Tokyo, was detained by Japanese authorities.
Key Themes:
Illegal Export of Firearm Components: The central theme is the unlawful movement of firearm parts across international borders.
Deception and Evasion: The use of employee credit cards, false claims about modification, and attempts to conceal the items suggest a purposeful effort to evade detection.
International scope: The investigation involves multiple locations (U.S., Japan) and individuals from different nationalities.
Commerce Control: The items in question are subject to export controls, requiring specific licenses.
In essence,the text details a triumphant interdiction of an alleged illegal export operation involving firearm components,highlighting the investigative work of HSI and CBP,and the alleged admissions and actions of the individuals involved.
