It should be noted that, for better or worse, importing “parts kits” of firearms, even machine guns, is not illegal in and of itself. Once the receiver and barrel is torch-cut into pieces per ATF guidelines, it ceases to be a firearm in the eyes of the law and it can be sold like any generic hardware in the US, with some state exceptions.
This is usually done by a proper import-export outfit who is careful to follow the laws, though. It sounds more like this guy was on Telegram with Vadim trying to skirt sanctions and make a quick buck, and the kits were likely not properly demilled, given the machine gun possession charges.
It should be noted that, for better or worse, importing “parts kits” of firearms, even machine guns, is not illegal in and of itself. Once the receiver and barrel is torch-cut into pieces per ATF guidelines, it ceases to be a firearm in the eyes of the law and it can be sold like any generic hardware in the US, with some state exceptions.
This is usually done by a proper import-export outfit who is careful to follow the laws, though. It sounds more like this guy was on Telegram with Vadim trying to skirt sanctions and make a quick buck, and the kits were likely not properly demilled, given the machine gun possession charges.