The feds have seized website domains and crypto accounts that are tied to an alleged gun smuggling scheme out of China.

Federal authorities in Boston seized two internet domains and two cryptocurrency accounts that were allegedly used for the illegal importation of machine gun conversion devices from China.

More than 3,000 machine gun conversion devices were confiscated during this investigation along with 282 firearms, 124 silencers, and more than 12,000 rounds of ammunition.

Machine gun conversion devices — commonly known as “switches” or “sears” — are parts designed to convert semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic machineguns. It’s illegal to possess these items and import them from certain countries, including China.

The feds in the last couple years began targeting websites, businesses and individuals who were selling, importing, and exporting machine gun conversion devices.

Authorities confirmed that these website domains were being used to sell the devices through undercover purchases. The feds also identified cryptocurrency accounts that were used by the device vendors to facilitate their sales.

“To conceal the alleged illegal importation, the contraband items sold from the domains were allegedly smuggled inside air cargo shipments from China to government-controlled mailboxes in the United States,” the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s office wrote.

The devices were packaged with other goods and were not properly declared with U.S. Customs.

The website domains also allegedly trafficked counterfeit goods and unlawfully used the Glock, Inc. trademark by offering purported “Glock” switches for sale. However, Glock, Inc. has never manufactured switches.

“Federal authorities ultimately established probable cause to seize for forfeiture the internet domains and funds within the cryptocurrency wallets which were used in connection with the scheme to import MCDs,” the feds wrote.

Related Articles

Massachusetts woman denied a license to carry firearms wins her appeal

UPDATE: Two shot in Lowell apartment building

Boston Police Blotter: Officers recover guns, crack, fentanyl

Gov. Healey calls $31K buyout to alleged cocaine trafficker ‘unacceptable’

Judge denies LaMar Cook’s bail review

The operation led by the District of Massachusetts targeting machine gun conversion device vendors has led to the seizure of about 360 internet domains and more than 3,000 devices, 282 firearms, 124 silencers, more than 12,000 rounds ammunition and about 125 investigative referrals.