Felon Charged for Unlawful Possession of “Ghost Guns” and Ammunition

LAS VEGAS - A felon has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint alleging he unlawfully possessed ammunition and privately manufactured firearms. A privately manufactured firearm without a serial number is sometimes called a "ghost gun."

"Ghost guns are specifically designed to evade the law, making them the weapon of choice for individuals seeking to bypass background checks," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "Our office will aggressively prosecute anyone who manufactures or distributes these untraceable weapons, ensuring they are held accountable for undermining public safety."

"The rise of ghost gun manufacturing threatens our community, prompting the FBI and its partners to join forces in combating criminals who bring their unsafe practices into our neighborhoods," said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.

"Public safety is at the forefront of ATF mission," said Special Agent in Charge John Wester, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). "The suspect in this case illegally possessed firearms and ammunition. ATF will continue to work alongside our partners to ensure that firearms remain out of the hands of prohibited people. We are committed to ensuring that this community is a safe place."

According to the complaint, on August 4, 2026, Chang Tan possessed firearms, including a privately manufactured 5.56x45mm semi-automatic rifle and eight privately manufactured 3-D printed AR-15 pattern lower receivers. Additionally, he possessed more than 500 rounds of 5.56x45mm ammunition and .300 AAC Blackout ammunition. Tan has multiple prior felony convictions, including fraud activity connected with computers in the Northern District of Illinois and sale of controlled substance in Clark County, Nevada. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm or ammunition

Tan is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.

If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is ten years confinement and three years supervised release.

This case was investigated by the FBI and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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