16.85°C Vancouver

Oct 9, 2024 4:15 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. man gets prison sentence, fine for using fake names to buy guns in the U.S.

Share On
b-c-man-gets-prison-sentence-fine-for-using-fake-names-to-buy-guns-in-the-u-s
Judge Donald Molloy also imposed a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release, along with ordering that Kozak forfeit 12 firearms.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.

A statement from the United States Attorney's Office in Montana says Haptei John Kozak pleaded guilty earlier this year to four counts of making false statements during a firearms transaction.

Judge Donald Molloy also imposed a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release, along with ordering that Kozak forfeit 12 firearms.

U.S. attorney Jesse Laslovich says in the statement that black-market firearm smugglers like Kozak contribute to an "epidemic of gun violence nationally and internationally because these weapons often end up in the hands of criminals."

The statement says investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the RCMP found that Kozak used a fake Montana driver's licence and provided other false information to buy 12 firearms in different Montana cities last year.

It says a review of Kozak's text messages and other evidence indicated that he was planning to buy the weapons to sell back in Canada.

Latest news

anand-says-canada-stands-with-poland-and-ukraine-after-russian-drone-incursions
CanadaSep 10, 2025

Anand says Canada stands with Poland and Ukraine after Russian drone incursions

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada is standing in solidarity with Poland and Ukraine after Russian drones violated NATO airspace. Poland says multiple Russian drones entered its territory over the course of several hours overnight and were shot down with help from NATO allies. Anand says on social media that this is "another horrendous example" of Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to seek peace. Poland has triggered a formal consultation with NATO allies and Anand says Ottawa is again calling on Russia to end its unjustified and illegal war on Ukraine. The Polish militar
WorldSep 10, 2025

Poland says it shot down Russian drones that violated its airspace during strikes on Ukraine

Poland says that multiple Russian drones entered its territory over the course of several hours and were shot down with help from NATO allies. The military described the incursion as an ``act of aggression'' carried out during a wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine. Russia said it did not target Poland. But close ally, Belarus, said it tracked some drones that ``lost their course'' because they were jammed. However, several European leaders said they believe that the incursion amounted to an intentional escalation by Russia. Poland said some of the drones came from Belarus. Polish airspace has
hamas-confirms-six-killed-in-israeli-attack-on-qatari-capital
WorldSep 09, 2025

Hamas confirms six killed in Israeli attack on Qatari capital

Hamas has confirmed the killing of six people, including a member of Qatari security forces, in an Israeli attack on the Qatari capital, Doha. Hamas said its negotiating team survived the attack but the son of the group's chief negotiator, Khalil al-Haya, was among those killed. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump assured Qatari leaders in a statement that such a thing would not happen again on their soil. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the attack was carried out by targeting Hamas' senior leadership. Netanyahu said that our attack in Doha was in rev
WorldSep 09, 2025

Apple's iPhone 17 line-up includes a new ultra-thin model and $100 price hike for Pro model

Apple has rolled out its next generation of iPhones that includes a new ultra-thin model and a slight price hike for one of its high-end models, while the company feels the squeeze of a global trade war. The iPhone 17 line-up includes a new slimmed-down model that will adopt the ``Air'' name that Apple already uses for its sleekest iPads and Mac computers. The new iPhones are the first to be released since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and unleashed a barrage of tariffs, in what his administration says is an attempt to bring overseas manufacturing back to the U.S. _ a cr
BCSep 09, 2025

Seniors in Maple Ridge will benefit from nearly 100 new affordable homes

Seniors in Maple Ridge will have access to more affordable housing with construction starting on 98 homes. “Seniors have helped shape our communities and it is important that we continue to support them,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These new homes coming to Maple Ridge will provide many seniors with affordable, secure housing options that meet their needs. We are seeing real progress, and our government is committed to continue helping seniors age with dignity and stability in the community they call home.” The new development at 22534/22548/22556

Related News