Former FBI agent Scott Chiang, 53, is facing a staggering 242 criminal charges after being arrested for possessing an arsenal of illegal ghost guns and firearms in his Queens Village home. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the charges on Wednesday, labeling the collection of weapons as a significant public safety threat. Chiang has been accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the first, second, third, and fourth degrees, as well as endangering the welfare of a child, among other charges.
The investigation into Chiang’s activities began with his online purchase of polymer-based, unserialized firearm components. These components, commonly known as ghost guns, can be assembled into functional firearms that are nearly impossible to trace because they lack serial numbers. According to a press release from the Queens DA’s office, Chiang had been purchasing these components over a period of time, triggering a long-term investigation by the Crime Strategies & Intelligence Bureau.
On October 10, officers from the New York Police Department’s Financial Crimes Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Queens District Attorney’s Detective Bureau executed a search warrant at Chiang’s residence. What they discovered was an alarming stockpile of firearms.
The cache included five fully assembled Glock-style ghost gun pistols, a Sig Sauer pistol, a loaded serialized MP5 assault weapon, and a loaded serialized Remington 700 hunting rifle. Police also found various parts and ammunition. Adding to the severity of the situation, a subsequent search of Chiang’s storage unit turned up even more weapons, including several AR-style rifles and shotguns.
During the execution of the search warrant, a postal carrier delivered a package addressed to Chiang that contained a complete Glock pistol slide and barrel, further solidifying the case against him.
Chiang, who does not hold a license to possess firearms in New York City, had previously worked for the FBI’s New York Field Division from April 2004 to November 2005. Despite his former position in law enforcement, Chiang allegedly flouted the strict gun laws in New York City, where possessing firearms without a proper license is illegal.
Adding to the intrigue, police also found a Republic of China passport bearing the name “Scott Chiang” during their search. While the significance of the passport remains unclear, its discovery has raised further questions about Chiang’s activities and background.
In her statement, District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed concern over the growing issue of ghost guns in New York. “Ghost guns are a growing threat to the safety of our communities. These untraceable firearms can be easily assembled and used by individuals who would not otherwise be able to legally acquire a gun. We will not tolerate the possession of these illegal weapons in Queens,” Katz said.
Ghost guns have become a major concern for law enforcement across the country. As these firearms can be ordered in parts and assembled at home, they offer a way for individuals to bypass background checks and other legal hurdles. Because they lack serial numbers, ghost guns are untraceable, making them a favorite among criminals. Law enforcement officials have been ramping up efforts to crack down on the sale and possession of these illegal weapons, but the problem continues to grow.
The DA’s office noted that the investigation into Chiang’s activities highlights the importance of monitoring online purchases of firearm components. “This arrest underscores the need for continued vigilance in tracking the flow of illegal weapons, especially untraceable ghost guns, which present a clear and present danger to the public,” said Katz.
Criminal Court Judge Germaine Auguste remanded Chiang without bail, and he is set to return to court on October 31. If convicted, Chiang could face up to 25 years in prison for his illegal possession of firearms and related charges.
The case has sparked concern over the growing accessibility of ghost guns and their potential to undermine public safety. New York City has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but the rise of ghost guns presents a new challenge for law enforcement and policymakers alike.
As the investigation continues, the DA’s office emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for illegal gun possession. “This is not just about one person’s illegal actions,” Katz said. “This is about the broader issue of keeping dangerous weapons off our streets.”
Chiang’s arrest and the subsequent charges serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated firearms. As ghost guns become more prevalent, law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to find new ways to combat the growing threat they pose to public safety.
The former FBI agent’s fall from grace is particularly shocking, given his past role in law enforcement. Now, he faces a potential prison sentence that could keep him behind bars for decades.
“This is about the broader issue of keeping dangerous weapons off our streets.”
But they weren’t ON our streets, they were in his home and a locked storage unit. If we don’t reign in this out of control federal government, we’ll all be nothing more than indentured servants…
Well stated merryinfidel.
” for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen rather than to live slaves.” (Thomas Jefferson, 1775)
Little note is made of the connection between the guns and his obvious ties with China. This is probably the most important point to make in the reporting.
Au Contraire mon amie. The “important point to make” is how our vaunted (not) gubments ‘surveil’ “We The Ignorant Serfs!”
Government officials are assholes ghost guns make no different than any other gun serial numbers or not. Guns are stolen every day and sold. This still doesn’t tell you who pulled the trigger. The justice democrat bailout gangbangers’ every day and they go back to stealing and shooting up citizens. Serial numbers on guns hardly ever catch the real criminals. Allowing more legal citizens to have concealed carry permits would help crime stop 100% because you don’t know if the person you’re going to be robbing can fight back. Police can’t be everywhere. Government stupidity hasn’t worked in 50 years.
Roger that. Not to mention that this ‘Surveillance State’ of NY releases ‘deadly’ criminals back to ‘hunt’ their prey practically before the ink has dried on their arrest warrants! In this NY ‘gun violation’ case, however, the gun owner will likely be sentenced to LIFE without parol!
The demand for ghost guns is a by-product of outrageous, flagrant over-the-top gun banning programs that offend we-the-people.
Claims that ghost guns are popular with criminals are, I suspect, grossly over stated because criminals often steal or import guns in staggering numbers and don’t give a whit about registering them.
Exactly James.
Chinese FBI agent arrested.
Ghost gun stockpile seized.
Thousands of Chinese military age men crossed the US border unhindered.
What could go wrong?
Make that 10s of thousands! Over 25,000 Chinese, mostly men of military age, along with more than 20,000 Russians, of the same category, have already INVADED the country. No shots fired required! Anyone believing that their Communist overlords have no idea how these people ESCAPED their control should immediately schedule their long overdue lobotomy!
“….strict gun laws in New York City, where possessing firearms without a proper license is illegal.” Is there anything in that single sentence 2nd Amendment that ‘requires’ a “license” to “possess firearms?” What part of “Shall Not Be Infringed” is not understood by these Totalitarian, Communist, controllers?
Orwell’s 1984 at fruition, as in, “Government Surveillance” of ‘We The Serfs!’
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and then hand it to them with the well fought lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same. And if you and I don’t do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it once was like in America when men were free.” Ronald Reagan – 1961
This has already LONG been NOT the America I grew up in! I would say ‘God Help America; however, since He has been kicked to the curb in this country, I’m not sure how well He is listening.