New York Attorney General Letitia James has made headlines with a significant legal move, announcing a major indictment involving 625 counts related to the alleged trafficking of “ghost guns.”
These firearms, described as homemade and often untraceable due to the lack of serial numbers or background checks, have been a growing concern for law enforcement and prosecutors alike.
According to James, the indictment targets five individuals accused of illegally selling ghost guns and other firearms in Queens.
The operation, which unfolded following an extensive investigation, resulted in the recovery of 86 firearms, including 55 ghost guns and 25 assault weapons.
This crackdown marks a pivotal moment in James’ ongoing efforts to curb gun violence and illegal firearm trafficking in New York.
“This investigation successfully stopped a dangerous gun trafficking operation by removing dozens of ghost guns and assault weapons from our streets,” James affirmed in a statement. Highlighting the dangers posed by these weapons, she emphasized their potential to exacerbate community violence.
The investigation, initiated in 2023, focused on the activities of Satveer Saini and several alleged associates, including Mateo Castro-Agudelo, Hargeny Fernandez-Gonzalez, Adam Youssef Senhaji-Rivas, and Milanjit Sidhu.
According to the source, James detailed that the suspects had purportedly paid over $27,000 to procure firearms from Indiana, leveraging the state’s less stringent firearm regulations compared to New York.
Fernandez-Gonzalez, according to James, also faced accusations of transporting 3D-printed ghost guns from Nassau County into Queens.
These firearms were allegedly distributed across Queens, including locations such as a playground in Jackson Heights and the Queens Center Mall parking lot in Elmhurst, heightening concerns over public safety.
The defendants are charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy in the fourth degree, criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree, and criminal possession of a firearm in the first degree, each carrying potential sentences of up to 25 years in prison.
In response to queries, attorneys for some of the accused have begun to make statements. James Andrew Kilduff, representing Satveer Saini, asserted that his client denies the allegations and is prepared to contest the charges in court.
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However, legal representation for Adam Youssef Senhaji-Rivas and Milanjit Sidhu remains unconfirmed, prompting outreach from Newsweek to the Queens Public Defender’s office for clarification.
As this case unfolds, Letitia James remains steadfast in her commitment to combating illegal firearm trafficking and safeguarding New York communities.
The Attorney General’s office continues to collaborate closely with law enforcement partners to uphold public safety and pursue justice in cases involving firearm-related offenses.