Advisory: Ex-FBI agent exposes likely ATF honeypot operation selling illegal Glock switches

• Ex-FBI agent Kyle Seraphin uncovers a fake Polymer80 website selling illegal Glock switches, suggesting an ATF honeypot operation.
• The website appears hastily designed, mimicking the defunct Polymer80 site, with “Glock Switch” prominently listed—raising entrapment concerns.
• Glock switches, which convert pistols into machine guns, are illegal under federal law, carrying severe penalties including 10 years in prison.
• Honeypot operations, while legal, walk a fine line between law enforcement and entrapment, sparking ethical debates.

Potential ATF honeypot operation uncovered

In what appears to be yet another brazen attempt by federal agencies to ensnare unsuspecting Americans, former FBI agent and federal whistleblower Kyle Seraphin has exposed a suspicious website allegedly selling illegal Glock switches—devices that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic machine guns. The site, which clumsily mimics the now-defunct Polymer80 brand, has all the hallmarks of a classic ATF honeypot operation: a poorly constructed facade, an overt focus on illegal products, and a clear intent to lure in potential buyers for prosecution.

“Have you ever wanted to buy an illegal MACHINE GUN DIRECTLY from @ATFHQ?” Seraphin sarcastically posted on X, highlighting the absurdity of the setup. The website, which bears little resemblance to the original Polymer80 domain, lists “Glock Switch” as its top product—an obvious red flag for entrapment.

What is a Glock switch and why is it illegal?

A Glock switch, also known as an auto sear, is a small aftermarket device that modifies a semi-automatic Glock pistol to fire in full-auto mode, effectively turning it into a machine gun. Under U.S. federal law, these devices are strictly prohibited for civilian possession due to their classification as “machine guns” under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986, which banned new machine gun sales to civilians.

Penalties for possession include:
• Up to 10 years in federal prison per violation.
• Fines as high as $250,000.
• Additional state-level charges in jurisdictions with stricter laws.

The only exceptions are for law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed manufacturers with ATF approval. Despite this, the ATF has ramped up enforcement, targeting online sales and underground markets in what critics argue are often overzealous stings designed to inflate arrest statistics rather than enhance public safety.

How ATF honeypot operations work—and why they’re ethically questionable

A honeypot operation is a law enforcement tactic where agencies create fake online platforms—websites, social media pages, or dark web marketplaces—to attract individuals attempting to buy or sell illegal items. In this case, the ATF (or another agency) appears to have set up a sham Polymer80 site to entice buyers of illegal firearm accessories.

The playbook is simple:
1. Setup – Authorities create a fake website selling prohibited items (e.g., Glock switches, unregistered suppressors).
2. Enticement – The site advertises illegal products, often in ways that seem too good to be true.
3. Capture – Buyers who take the bait are tracked, engaged by undercover agents, and arrested upon attempting a transaction.

While such operations are legally permissible, they risk crossing into entrapment—a defense that argues law enforcement induced someone to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t have. Given the ATF’s history of aggressive tactics, including undercover gun store stings and questionable prosecutions, this latest revelation raises serious concerns about government overreach and due process.

A history of ATF entrapment and why this matters now

The ATF has a long and controversial track record of manufacturing crime rather than preventing it. From the disastrous Fast and Furious scandal, where the agency allowed firearms to “walk” into the hands of Mexican cartels, to undercover stings targeting legal gun owners, the bureau has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to prioritize arrests over justice.

This latest alleged honeypot operation follows a disturbing pattern: create the crime, then punish the offender. Given the Biden administration’s aggressive push for stricter gun control—including executive actions targeting pistol braces and so-called “ghost guns”—many Second Amendment advocates see this as yet another federal power grab disguised as public safety.

As Seraphin’s discovery goes viral, one question lingers: If the ATF is so concerned about illegal firearms, why does it appear to be facilitating their sale? Or, a tougher question to ask is, “When the government becomes the arms dealer, who’s really the criminal?”

Sources include:

Zerohedge.com

X.com

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