Malaysia sentences foreign man to 7 years’ jail for possessing 6 guns, ammunition

A Foreign National Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possessing Illegal Firearms and Ammunition in Malaysia

Overview of the Case

In a significant legal development, a foreign national, Shalom Avitan, a 39-year-old Israeli citizen, was sentenced to seven years in prison in Malaysia for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. The sentencing took place on Wednesday, February 26, at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court. Avitan pleaded guilty to both the primary and alternative charges brought against him under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, which pertains to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Judge Zaki Salleh, presiding over the case, accepted Avitan’s guilty plea and handed down the sentence. The court ruled that the seven-year prison term for each charge would run concurrently, meaning Avitan will serve only seven years in total, rather than consecutive sentences. The imprisonment will be calculated from the date of his arrest on March 28 last year. This case underscores the severity with which Malaysia treats violations of its arms laws, as well as the consequences of illegal activities involving firearms.

Discovery of the Illegal Firearms and Ammunition

The illegal cache of weapons and ammunition was discovered in a hotel room located on Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur. The discovery was made between 6:46 pm on March 26 and 6 pm on March 28. During this period, authorities found a significant stash of firearms and ammunition in Avitan’s possession. The primary charge against Avitan included the possession of 200 rounds of ammunition, which were stored in different boxes and firearms. Specifically, these included eight bullets in a box of Shell Shock NAS3 9mm ammunition, 150 rounds in three boxes from Bullet Master Co Ltd, and 42 bullets distributed across three different firearms. All of these items were found without the necessary licenses or permits, further complicating the case against him.

Under the alternative charge, Avitan was found to be in possession of six unlicensed guns. These firearms included a Glock 19 USA 9×19, a Sig Sauer P3205P, a Cougar 8000FT, a Glock 17 Gen4 Austria 9×19, an M&P 9C Smith & Wesson Springfield MA USA, and a Stoeger Cougar 8000F. The presence of these weapons and the large quantity of ammunition in Avitan’s possession raised serious concerns about his intentions and potential threats to public safety. The discovery of these items led to his arrest on March 28 and subsequent legal proceedings.

The Charges and Legal Proceedings

The case against Shalom Avitan was built around two charges: a primary charge and an alternative charge. Under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, the primary charge addressed the illegal possession of ammunition, while the alternative charge focused on the unlawful possession of firearms. An alternative charge is typically introduced as a fallback option in case the primary charge cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. In this case, however, Avitan chose to plead guilty to both charges, simplifying the legal process and leading to a quicker resolution of the case.

During the court proceedings, Judge Zaki Salleh expressed satisfaction with Avitan’s guilty plea, which likely influenced the sentence handed down. The judge emphasized that the seven-year sentence for each charge would run concurrently, ensuring that Avitan’s imprisonment would not be excessively prolonged. The sentence was backdated to the date of his arrest, March 28, meaning Avitan will serve the remainder of his sentence from that point onward.

Avitan’s Background and Motivations

Shalom Avitan’s arrest and sentencing have raised questions about his background and the reasons behind his possession of illegal firearms. Reports from Israeli media suggest that Avitan may have been associated with a criminal syndicate and had intentions to harm the head of a rival criminal family. These allegations imply that Avitan’s activities in Malaysia may have been linked to organized crime or personal vendettas. During his interrogation by Malaysian authorities, Avitan claimed that he was in the country to track down a fellow Israeli national, further hinting at a possible criminal motive.

Avitan’s initial response to the charges was to plead not guilty during an earlier court appearance on April 12 last year. At that time, he chose to contest the charges and claimed trial. However, he later changed his stance and pleaded guilty, which may have been a strategic decision to avoid a harsher sentence or to expedite the legal process. His guilty plea likely took into account the overwhelming evidence against him, as well as the strict penalties for arms offenses in Malaysia.

Implications of the Sentence

The sentencing of Shalom Avitan serves as a stark reminder of the severe penalties for arms offenses in Malaysia. The country’s legal system takes a hardline stance against the illegal possession and trade of firearms and ammunition, reflecting broader efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety. Avitan’s case also highlights the challenges faced by foreign nationals who engage in illegal activities within Malaysia’s borders. The concurrent sentence handed down by Judge Zaki Salleh ensures that Avitan will face significant consequences for his actions, while also maintaining a degree of leniency by not imposing consecutive terms.

Moreover, the case underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime and illegal activities. The alleged links between Avitan and criminal syndicates in Israel suggest that his actions may have had broader implications beyond Malaysia’s borders. The sentence serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar activities, whether for personal motives or as part of larger criminal networks.

Conclusion

In summary, Shalom Avitan’s case is a significant one, demonstrating the seriousness with which Malaysia’s legal system approaches arms offenses. The discovery of illegal firearms and ammunition in his possession, coupled with his guilty plea, led to a seven-year prison sentence. The case also raises questions about Avitan’s background and motivations, which may be linked to organized crime. As Avitan serves his sentence, the case serves as a reminder of the consequences of illegal activities and the importance of adhering to the law, regardless of nationality. The outcome of this case reflects Malaysia’s commitment to upholding justice and maintaining public safety.