California targets company for distributing 3D-printed ghost gun code

CALIFORNIA – Attorney General Rob Bonta announced February 6 that the state filed a lawsuit against Gatalog Foundation Inc. and CTRLPew LLC.

The lawsuit alleges the groups unlawfully distributed computer code that can be used to 3D print ghost guns and other firearm-related components.

A ghost gun is a privately made firearm assembled from parts or kits, often without a serial number, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace.

According to the complaint, the code included instructions for producing machine gun conversion devices such as “Glock switches,” illegal large-capacity magazines, and additional firearm parts.

State officials say the materials were made available to individuals who are not licensed to manufacture firearms in California.

In addition, the defendants are being held accountable for promoting the unlawful manufacture of 3D printed firearms and machine guns.

Provided platform to test and submit 3D printing designs

According to Bonta, the defendants violated multiple laws by sharing files and guides for 3D printing firearms and related parts while selling merchandise and soliciting donations.

They also provide a platform for gun developers to test and submit 3D printing designs for approval and distribution.

“These defendants’ conduct enables unlicensed people who are too young or too dangerous to pass firearm background checks to illegally print deadly weapons without a background check and without a trace,” Bonta said.

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, who partnered with Bonta on the case, said they are asking the court to halt Gatalog’s illegal distribution of ghost gun blueprints, “which makes us all less safe.”

No warning to consumers that using ghost guns would be illegal

Over the past decade, California has seen a rising threat from the ghost gun industry, enabling unlicensed individuals to make firearms without background checks or serial numbers, according to officials.

These entities gain an unfair edge over licensed gun businesses by selling products that bypass background checks, enable illegal gun production, and convert legal guns into assault weapons.

They have also misled California consumers into buying firearm-related products without warning that using them as intended would be illegal.