28 indicted in Arizona gun trafficking ring that funneled AK-style rifles toward Mexico

A federal grand jury indicted 28 people on firearms offenses following a two-year investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force in Arizona, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

The 158-count indictment charges Fernando Daniel Castro of Phoenix and 27 others with conspiracy, illegal firearms dealing and trafficking and making false statements during gun purchases.

Prosecutors allege Castro recruited others to buy firearms from licensed dealers in Arizona, then resold them for profit.

Some of the weapons, including Glock 19 pistols and AK-style rifles, were destined for export outside the United States, according to the indictment.

The case grew out of four previously charged federal investigations that resulted in the seizure of more than 100 firearms and 125,000 rounds of ammunition in Arizona.

In one related case, a man was caught trying to cross into Mexico with 42 AK-style rifles in his vehicle.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Border Patrol led the investigation.

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