A Vancouver man has been charged after investigators with the Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team (IFET) of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) investigated the alleged importation, smuggling and trafficking of firearms and prohibited devices.
In June of 2023 CFSEU-BC IFET and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) criminal investigators entered into a joint investigation after packages containing firearm components were intercepted at the border. At the time, a search warrant was executed at a business in Richmond.
On November 30, 2023, the investigation had progressed leading to a search warrant being executed on a residence in Vancouver. The search warrants revealed evidence consistent with an alleged sophisticated firearms importation scheme.
On February 27, 2025, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) approved the following criminal charges against Andy Emre Gencoglu, 24, of Vancouver:
* 1 count of smuggling a restricted firearm
* 1 count of smuggling a prohibited firearm
* 1 count of smuggling two prohibited devices
* 2 counts of import a restricted firearm knowing its unauthorized
* 1 count of import two prohibited devices knowing its unauthorized
Gencoglu has been arrested and released on conditions while awaiting the judicial process. He has conditions not to be in possession of any weapons as defined by the Criminal Code.
“Smuggling firearms is a dangerous criminal activity that jeopardizes public safety and fuels violence. CFSEU-BC remains committed to disrupting these illegal networks and protecting our communities from the devastating impact of illegal weapons,” said Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC, on Wednesday.
“Combatting gun smuggling and investigating those who break our laws is part of the Canada Border Services Agency’s commitment to Canadians. Working alongside the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia, the efforts of our border services officers and investigators prevented dangerous firearms from entering communities in British Columbia,” said Harald Wuigk, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigations, CBSA.
IFET is one of three components of the Crime Guns Intelligence and Investigations Group (CGIIG) at the CFSEU-BC. The other two sections are the Illegal Firearms Intelligence Team (IFIT), and the Provincial Firearms Forensics Laboratory (PFFL). All three components operate in coordination to combat illegal firearms activities within British Columbia.
