Ukrainian National Convicted for Illegal Gun Manufacturing and 3D Printing

Yaroslav Vishnevski, a 33-year-old Ukrainian national residing in Harrisburg, Illinois, was convicted on five counts related to illegal gun manufacturing and possession. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois reported that a federal jury found him guilty of offenses including the possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle and shotgun, manufacturing a National Firearms Act weapon without paying the required tax, and possession of a silencer. The investigation began on April 22, 2024, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a package from China containing suspected firearm silencers addressed to Vishnevski's home. An undercover agent later delivered the package, leading to a traffic stop of Vishnevski and a subsequent search of his residence, where law enforcement discovered a workshop for illegal weapons manufacturing, including 3D printers and untraceable firearms. Vishnevski did not have the necessary registrations for the firearms as required by federal law. Following the verdict, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft emphasized the distinction between criminal activity and legal gun ownership. Vishnevski, who completed Air Force officer training, expressed concerns about being surveilled due to his Ukrainian heritage.