Operation Exposes International Gunrunning Network

A far-reaching investigation has uncovered a significant gun trafficking operation with unexpected links to Martha’s Vineyard. Last month, federal authorities apprehended 18 individuals in Massachusetts, dismantling a network allegedly supplying illegal firearms. The investigation has revealed connections to some of Latin America’s most dangerous gangs, highlighting the complex challenges of combating transnational crime.

Local Ties emerge on Martha’s Vineyard

The extensive investigation unexpectedly led authorities to two individuals with direct ties to Martha’s Vineyard. This revelation underscores how even seemingly isolated communities can be vulnerable to the reach of international criminal networks.

“Ghost Pistols” and Transnational Crime

The investigation, initiated in 2024, resulted in the seizure of 110 firearms, often referred to as ghost pistols. These weapons were meticulously assembled using a combination of 3D-printed components, altered parts, and obliterated serial numbers, rendering them virtually untraceable. The suspects, all Brazilian nationals, some of whom were undocumented, were taken into custody in March. According to data from the Bureau of Alcohol,tobacco,Firearms and Explosives (ATF),the recovery of ghost guns has increased exponentially in recent years,posing a significant challenge to law enforcement.

Some of the illegal weapons recovered by the investigators would be connected to the Primeiro Command by Capital,a transnational criminal association born in the prison system of San Paolo,in Brazil,known for having committed violent crimes such as murder,armed hand robbery,kidnapping and transnational drug trafficking.

United states Prosecutor’s Office Press Release, March 2025

The seized weapons have been linked to Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), a notorious Brazilian criminal organization known for its involvement in violent crimes, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, and international drug trafficking. Two smaller gangs, identified as Tropa de Silk and Terrivel Bala, were also implicated in the investigation, suggesting a complex web of criminal alliances.

West Tisbury Resident Implicated

Details uncovered through interviews with local police and judicial records reveal that one of the 18 Brazilian citizens arrested had been residing in West tisbury as early as 2023. This individual allegedly played a role in transporting drugs and weapons onto the island, further illustrating the local impact of this international operation.

Suspect identified: Joao Victor da Silva Soares

Joao Victor da Silva Soares,a 21-year-old Brazilian national residing in Everett and holding a green card,is currently detained at the Worcester House of Corrections. Federal officials have charged him with conspiracy to traffic firearms without a license, and his case is currently being heard at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse in Boston.

Local Law Enforcement’s Prior Knowledge

While Soares’ arrest occurred in March along with the other suspects, he had been under local police scrutiny for over a year. The Martha’s Vineyard drug Task Force, comprised of officers from island police departments, and the Drug Enforcement Management (DEA) of Cape Cod, received information in late 2023 regarding soares’ location and alleged involvement in drug and weapons offenses on the island.

Documented Trips and Suspected Smuggling

Between January and March 2024, investigators documented at least ten trips made by Soares from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard. Law enforcement officials believe that Soares met with distributors in his parked car in Woods Hole, a coastal village in the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts. This location served as a key point for the suspected transfer of illicit goods.

Connection to Gustavo Augusto Mroczkoski

Soares is also allegedly connected to Gustavo Augusto Mroczkoski, 27, another Brazilian citizen arrested in Oak Bluffs in September of last year by Immigration and customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on drug and firearms charges. Police reports detail how Mroczkoski allegedly coordinated with Soares, frequently meeting him in Woods Hole to receive suspected contraband. According to these reports, mroczkoski would arrive empty-handed, briefly enter Soares’ vehicle, and then depart with a steel bottle, which investigators believe contained smuggled goods.

Federal Investigation Exposes Illegal firearm Sales

A multi-agency investigation, spearheaded by the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security investigations (HSI), has dismantled a significant gun trafficking operation in massachusetts. The probe, initiated in 2024, has led to the arrest of 18 individuals, primarily Brazilian nationals, for their involvement in the illegal sale and distribution of firearms. The operation highlights the ongoing challenges in combating gun violence and the complexities of cross-border crime.

The investigation centered on the activities of Soares, identified as a key figure in the network. According to court documents, Soares facilitated the sale of commercially produced firearms, privately manufactured firearms (often referred to as ghost guns), and ammunition without possessing the required federal firearms license. This illegal activity posed a significant threat to public safety, contributing to the proliferation of weapons in the region.

Controlled Buys and Key Arrests

Law enforcement utilized confidential informants to conduct controlled purchases, meticulously documenting Soares’s illegal transactions. In one instance, in August 2024, an informant under ATF surveillance purchased two Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 rifles from Soares and an accomplice, João Victor Dos santos, for $6,000 in a Malden parking lot. This transaction provided crucial evidence of the scale and nature of the operation.

Subsequent to this, Soares was apprehended in Milford following another controlled buy where a cooperating witness purchased five firearms, including a PSAK 7.62×39 mm rifle with a defaced serial number. The ATF confirmed that Soares lacked a federal firearm license, solidifying the case against him.

Soares is currently detained at the Worcester House of Corrections, awaiting trial at the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston. The charges against him carry significant penalties, reflecting the severity of the alleged crimes.

Island Connection: Martha’s Vineyard and Oak Bluffs

The investigation extended to martha’s Vineyard, where Soares’s activities intersected with local law enforcement. Josenito Ferreira Jr., previously arrested for possession of a ghost gun, allegedly conducted a transaction with Soares in the parking lot of a Vineyard Haven pizzeria in early March 2024. This connection underscores the reach of the trafficking network into seemingly isolated communities.

On march 26, 2024, the same day as Soares’s initial arrest, authorities executed a search warrant at the Oak Bluffs residence of Mroczkoski, Soares’s associate. The search yielded a cache of military-grade ammunition, high-capacity magazines, a Glock conversion switch (designed to transform a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon), Ferreira Jr.’s identification,and a gel blaster pistol.

Further investigation into Soares and Mroczkoski’s cell phones revealed numerous photographs of firearms, providing additional evidence of their involvement in illegal activities.

The Ghost Gun Epidemic and its Dangers

The presence of ghost guns in this case highlights a growing concern for law enforcement nationwide. These privately manufactured firearms lack serial numbers, making them challenging to trace and frequently enough favored by individuals prohibited from owning firearms. The ease with which these weapons can be assembled from readily available parts online poses a significant challenge to gun control efforts.

According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), ghost guns are increasingly recovered at crime scenes. In 2023, approximately 69,271 firearms were reported to be privately made firearms (PMFs) recovered during criminal investigations. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, underscoring the urgent need for effective regulations to address this issue.

Privately made firearms (pmfs) are increasingly recovered at crime scenes.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Law Enforcement’s Commitment to Public Safety

Federal prosecutors have emphasized that the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies have substantially contributed to enhancing the safety of Massachusetts residents. By disrupting this gun trafficking network, authorities have removed a substantial number of illegal firearms from circulation, potentially preventing future acts of violence.

The triumphant outcome of this investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-agency collaboration in combating gun crime and underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to protecting communities from the dangers of illegal firearms.

Island Law Enforcement Tackles transnational Crime

A collaborative effort between the Martha’s Vineyard Drug Task Force, federal agencies, and local police departments has resulted in the arrest of individuals involved in weapons and drug trafficking. The operation highlights the ongoing commitment to community safety and the rule of law, particularly in combating crimes that extend beyond local borders.

The Arsenal and its Impact

The weapons seized during the operation are a significant concern for law enforcement. According to officials, the ammunition recovered is capable of penetrating bulletproof vests and has an extended range, posing a severe threat to both law enforcement and the public. The presence of such weaponry underscores the dangerous nature of the individuals involved and the potential for violence associated with their activities.

This type of ammunition penetrates into the bulletproof jackets, has a long range, and these are not innocent people who try to start a new life.

Oak Bluffs police Chief Jonathan searle

Federal and Local Partnership: A United Front

The success of this operation is attributed to the strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. United States Prosecutor Leah B. Foley emphasized the importance of these collaborations in ensuring community safety and upholding the rule of law. such partnerships are crucial in dismantling transnational criminal organizations that thrive on chaos and fear.

This case is a testimony of the strength of our collaborations with the Federal, State and local police laws in guaranteeing the safety of our communities and in supporting the state of law.

United States Prosecutor Leah B. Foley

Community Reassurance and Law Enforcement’s role

Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle expressed pride in the work of his officers and the collaborative efforts with federal and local partners. He urged the community to trust local law enforcement agencies in their police actions,emphasizing that the individuals targeted by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) are those who negatively impact the community.

I hope the audience trusts the local law enforcement agencies when thay undertake police actions… I am proud of the work done by the island police in contributing to the investigations that led to the arrest of these individuals.

Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle

The Bigger Picture: Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations

This case is part of a larger effort to combat transnational criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and weapons smuggling. These organizations frequently enough exploit vulnerabilities in border security and local law enforcement capabilities to operate across jurisdictions. According to a 2024 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), drug trafficking generates billions of dollars annually, fueling violence and corruption worldwide. Operations like this one on Martha’s vineyard are essential in disrupting these criminal networks and protecting communities from their harmful effects.