Alleged weapons boss rejects plea deal and risks ten years in prison
A 60-year-old from Remscheid rejected a confession in exchange for a reduced sentence before the Wuppertal Regional Court. He faces allegations of breaching the War Weapons Control Act and the Weapons Act.
Alleged weapons boss rejects plea deal and risks ten years in prison
Before the Wuppertal Regional Court, a 60-year-old man from Remscheid surprisingly rejected a crown witness offer. Had he made a comprehensive confession, a prison sentence of seven to eight years would have been possible. Now he faces up to ten years for serious breaches of the War Weapons Control Act and the Weapons Act.
The car mechanic stated through his lawyer that the prosecution's sentencing proposals were too far apart. The offered sentence was too high. Moreover, he denied ever purchasing at least 100 Scorpion submachine guns – an allegation that a witness reportedly confirmed to the judges.
During a large-scale raid on 26 October 2025, officers seized a vast arsenal in the defendant's cellar. In addition to machine guns, assault rifles and submachine guns, they found revolvers, hand grenades and explosives. Investigators had monitored the German-Kazakh national and two accomplices for months, intercepted conversations and read messages. Through an undercover officer, police themselves acquired three submachine guns for €8,200.
Two accomplices, Ilhan A. (38) and Yunus K. (35), accepted the judge's offer by contrast. In read-out statements, they admitted to several weapons deals and substantially incriminated the main defendant. They now face a maximum of four and three years in prison respectively.
According to the statements of the two, the group sold two Scorpion submachine guns including ammunition to a man from Hamm. This man tested one of the weapons immediately – and subsequently complained about a loading malfunction after the first shot. What the buyer intended to do with the war weapons remains unclear. The investigations reveal how recklessly the gang operated and gave no thought to possible crimes by the purchasers.
The trial continues.
Source: Bild
Source: BILD