Two men from Kentucky have been charged in a conspiracy to smuggle handguns to Iraq by hiding them in cars. The men, identified as 24-year-old Mostafa Al-Khayat and 22-year-old Bahaa Al-Khayat, were arrested in Louisville after a joint investigation by federal authorities. The two were charged with conspiracy to violate arms export control laws.
According to reports, the men were allegedly part of a scheme to purchase firearms in the United States and then hide them in vehicles that were shipped to Iraq. The weapons were intended to be used by individuals fighting against the government in Iraq. The indictment stated that the men communicated with individuals in Iraq to coordinate the shipment of the firearms.
Authorities became aware of the scheme after discovering that Mostafa Al-Khayat had purchased a vehicle that was later found to contain five handguns hidden within. Further investigation revealed that the handguns were purchased legally in Kentucky and were intended to be exported to Iraq without proper authorization.
Both men face charges of conspiracy to violate federal laws regarding the export of firearms. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison. The investigation into the smuggling operation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine if there are additional individuals involved.
The charges against the Kentucky men highlight the ongoing issue of illegal arms trafficking and the efforts of law enforcement to prevent such activities. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in monitoring the flow of weapons to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
Source
Photo credit news.google.com