Hacked Data Reveals U.S. Gun Shops and Smugglers Tied to 78,000 Firearms Recovered in Mexico
A massive leak of Mexican military intelligence has exposed a significant link between U.S. gun shops and smugglers to 78,000 firearms recovered south of the border. This is the first revelation of its kind in two decades. The hacked data reveals the types of guns being trafficked and the networks involved.
Unveiling the Leak
The information, part of a trove of roughly 10 million records, was hacked by an anonymous group known as “Guacamaya” and shared with news outlets through the transparency organization Distributed Denial of Secrets (DDoSecrets). The hacked data reveals trace information on American-sold firearms recovered in Mexico since 2018, highlighting the intricate and dangerous networks facilitating this illegal trade.
U.S. Guns Fueling Mexican Violence
Despite efforts to curb gun smuggling, American firearms continue to flow south, fueling violence in Central America and contributing to the U.S. border migration crisis. The hacked data reveals that American straw buyers are heavily involved. For example, Texan Craig Adlong purchased 95 semi-automatic rifles from Guns Unlimited in Katy, Texas, with 66 of those recovered in Mexico. This underscores how U.S. gun purchases directly impact Mexican crime rates and violence.
The Fast and Furious Scandal
The hacked data reveals further complications from the ATF’s “Fast and Furious” operation, where agents allowed straw purchasers to buy guns in hopes of tracking them to cartel leaders. This strategy failed, resulting in hundreds of guns disappearing and being linked to violent crimes, including the death of U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian Terry. The repercussions of this failed operation are still felt today, as many of these firearms continue to show up at crime scenes.
Major Players and Purchasers
Among the top straw purchasers identified in the hacked data are individuals linked to the Fast and Furious operation. Uriel Patiño, who bought 700 guns, and other notorious buyers like Sean Christopher Steward and Carlos Armando Celaya, continue to show up in trace data years after their initial purchases. These individuals played significant roles in funneling firearms into Mexico, exacerbating the violence.
Types of Firearms Recovered
The hacked data reveals specific types of firearms frequently recovered at crime scenes in Mexico:
- Anderson Manufacturing AM-15: Over 500 recovered.
- Colt Government Pistol: More than 480 recovered.
- Century Arms RAS47 and WASR-10 AK-47 replicas: Highly popular among cartels.
- Barrett .50 caliber rifles: 121 recovered, known for their long-range armor-piercing capability.
These details from the hacked data reveal the preferences of cartels for powerful and easily accessible firearms, further fueling the cycle of violence.
The Impact on Gun Shops and Manufacturers
The hacked data reveals that several gun shops and manufacturers are heavily implicated. These include:
- Zeroed In Armory in Pearland, Texas: Source of 75 recovered firearms.
- Ammo AZ in Phoenix: Sold 46 firearms recovered in Mexico.
Mexican officials are particularly concerned about big-box stores near the border, such as Academy Sports + Outdoors and Cabela’s, due to their frequent multiple rifle sales in single transactions.
Legal and Political Ramifications
Mexican officials, frustrated by the lack of transparency and regulation in the U.S., are suing American gun manufacturers and dealers. They argue that the flow of American firearms empowers cartels and exacerbates violence, indirectly fueling the U.S. fentanyl crisis. Alejandro Celorio, a legal adviser to Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the frustration with the lack of public access to this information, which the hacked data reveals in stark detail.
Conclusion
This extensive leak has shone a light on the intricate and dangerous links between American gun shops and the Mexican cartels. The hacked data reveals the extent of the problem and the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to curb the illegal flow of firearms into Mexico. The hacked data reveals a disturbing pattern of gun smuggling and its lethal consequences, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective action.
Table of Firearms Recovered
| Firearm Type | Quantity Recovered |
|---|---|
| Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 | 500+ |
| Colt Government Pistol | 480+ |
| Century Arms RAS47 | N/A |
| WASR-10 AK-47 replicas | N/A |
| Barrett .50 caliber rifles | 121 |
This hacked data reveals a comprehensive picture of how U.S. gun sales contribute to violence in Mexico, illustrating the critical need for reform and vigilance in monitoring firearm transactions.
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