Kansan pleads guilty to selling illegal guns across world on ‘dark web’

Michael Andrew Ryan, of Manhattan, pleaded guilty Monday to six counts of exporting and attempting to export firearms illegally to other countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland and Australia.

Ryan, 35, who is also referred to as “Brad Jones” or “Gunrunner” in the indictment, used a hidden internet marketplace, in a section known as the “dark web,” for its anonymity and secrecy. He sometimes lied about who was buying the guns and then shipped the guns using FedEx Airway, according to the indictment.

The indictment lists Flint Hills Gun Works and Santa Fe Enterprises, in Manhattan, as businesses that Ryan attempted to buy a gun from or made a false statement to. A man who answered the phone at Flint Hills Gun Works would not comment.

“With a computer and an internet connection, Ryan hosted an international arms trafficking business on the dark web, peddling firearms and ammunition throughout the world,” U.S. Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell said in a news release.

Ryan sold a variety of guns including Uzis, Berettas and Glocks, many of which had their serial numbers removed, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

The cities Ryan shipped or planned to ship to included Pinner, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; Victoria, Australia; and Mallow, Ireland.

“The fact that international firearms trafficking has reached Kansas shows the power of the internet,” acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said in a news release. “This prosecution shows our law enforcement efforts are working.”

The investigation included the ATF, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security, and Manhattan and Riley County police departments.

Ryan is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 12.

This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 5:33 PM with the headline "Kansan pleads guilty to selling illegal guns across world on ‘dark web’."