Ukrainian national convicted in Illinois of illegal gun manufacturing and 3D printing operation

A federal jury in Illinois convicted Yaroslav Vishnevski, 33, of Harrisburg, of five firearm-related charges, including possession of unregistered short-barreled rifles and silencers, as well as manufacturing unregistered weapons using 3D printing equipment, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.

The investigation began 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 Illinois State Police officer then delivered the package to Vishnevski, who retrieved it before being pulled over in a traffic stop. Authorities executed a search warrant at his residence and a nearby camper, discovering a working illegal weapons workshop.

Law enforcement seized three 3D printers, a CNC machine known as a “Ghost Gunner,” and numerous untraceable firearms, including silencers, firearm frames, and short-barreled rifles with obliterated serial numbers. Among the recovered items was an Atlas Arms 12-gauge shotgun with an erased serial number and a modified Glock 19X.

Federal law requires registration and taxes for short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and silencers. Vishnevski did not have the necessary registrations, court documents show. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft emphasized the distinction between lawful gun ownership and illegal firearms, noting the ongoing enforcement efforts against unlicensed weapons.

Vishnevski, who is reportedly a U.S. citizen, told Capitol News Illinois he believed the government was surveilling him. He said he was born in Ukraine and moved to the U.S. at age 7 after completing Air Force officer training and enrolling at St. Louis University School of Medicine, intending to serve as an Air Force physician. Vishnevski left that program early and joined the Reserve. He also mentioned being questioned by Department of Homeland Security agents about his views on Ukraine and his connections there.

The U.S. Air Force and DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to Fox News Digital.

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