Former FBI Agent Arrested in Queens, New York for Stockpiling Illegal Guns

- ADVERTISEMENT -

October 16, 2024 | New York – A former FBI agent from Queens has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of weapons after authorities discovered an arsenal of illegal firearms, including ghost guns, in his home and storage unit. Scott Chiang, 53, was found in possession of 18 firearms, including eight ghost guns, six assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and a large cache of ammunition, officials said.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the charges against Chiang, a resident of Peck Avenue in Queens Village and the head of the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York. Chiang does not hold a license to own or possess firearms in New York City. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.

“Individuals who choose to stockpile lethal, illegal firearms in Queens need to think again. Ghost guns cause unspeakable tragedy, and my office will continue to meticulously go after illegal firearms and those who manufacture and use them,” said DA Katz.

The investigation revealed that Chiang had been purchasing polymer-based, unserialized firearm parts online. These parts, often referred to as ghost guns, can be assembled into untraceable weapons, which are illegal in New York. Authorities executed search warrants at Chiang’s Queens Village residence and a storage unit in Port Washington, Long Island, on October 10.

Among the items recovered were several loaded semiautomatic ghost guns styled after Glock pistols, serialized hunting rifles, and assault weapons. Police also found gun manufacturing tools, including armorers’ tools and a jig kit used to assemble firearms. Additionally, two silencers, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and 19 high-capacity magazines were seized.

In his storage unit, authorities found additional assault rifles, ghost guns, lower receivers, high-capacity magazines, and nearly 900 more rounds of ammunition. A postal package containing firearm parts was delivered to Chiang’s residence during the search.

Chiang was arraigned on a 242-count criminal complaint that includes charges such as criminal possession of a weapon, criminal sale of a firearm, and endangering the welfare of a child. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on October 31.

This arrest marks a significant development in the fight against ghost guns in Queens, where authorities have seized 151 ghost guns so far this year, the highest number in any borough. District Attorney Katz commended the collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, including the NYPD, Homeland Security Investigations, and local law enforcement in Nassau County.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Bello of the Crime Strategies and Intelligence Bureau, with assistance from other key members of the Queens District Attorney’s Office.