On 26 February, the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court sentenced Israeli national Avitan Shalom to seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing firearms and ammunition without a permit.
The 39-year-old, originally from Bnei Brak in Israel, was charged under Section 8(a) of Malaysia’s Arms Act for carrying six firearms and 200 rounds of ammunition without the necessary legal documentation.
Shalom was arrested on 28 March 2024, and his case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the charges and the maximum sentence imposed by the Malaysian judiciary.
His detention and trial have sparked discussions about security concerns, firearm regulations, and the broader implications of a foreign national being caught with weapons in the country.
Arrest and Charges
The arrest took place in March 2024 when Malaysian authorities discovered Avitan Shalom in possession of multiple firearms, including a Glock 19 USA 9×19, a Sig Sauer P3205P, a Cougar 8000FT, a Glock 17 Gen4 Austria 9×19, an M&P 9C Smith & Wesson Springfield MA USA, and a Stoeger Cougar 8000F.
In addition to the weapons, police found a box of Shell Shock NAS3 9mm ammunition containing eight rounds, three boxes of Bullet Master Co Ltd ammunition with a total of 150 rounds, and 42 additional rounds stored in various firearms.
Given the strict firearm laws in Malaysia, possession of such weapons without the proper documentation is considered a serious offense. Section 8(a) of the Arms Act stipulates that anyone found guilty of possessing firearms or ammunition without a permit can face a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of RM10,000.
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Avitan Shalom’s case was particularly severe due to the number of weapons and ammunition he carried, leading prosecutors to push for the maximum sentence.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The trial was marked by several legal complications, including issues regarding Avitan Shalom’s language proficiency. Initially, he claimed to understand only basic English, which led to an adjournment of the trial.
However, Judge Norina Zainal Abidin later questioned why he had waited nine months to raise this issue, noting that he had previously informed the court of his ability to communicate in simple English. Despite this, the court ultimately decided to proceed with the trial in English, with an interpreter present to assist him.
During the court proceedings, deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalam emphasized the gravity of Shalom’s offenses, arguing that carrying unlicensed firearms posed a significant threat to national security and public safety. He urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, which Judge Mohd Zaki Mohd Salleh ultimately granted.
Avitan Shalom pleaded guilty to both the main charge and an alternative charge in a closed-door hearing at the Kajang Prison Court Complex. As a result, he was sentenced to the maximum seven-year jail term, starting from the date of his arrest on 28 March 2024.
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In addition to the prison sentence, the judge granted Avitan Shalom’s request for his passport, 14 credit cards, and four mobile phones to be handed over to the prison authorities for safekeeping until his release.
Background and Personal Circumstances
Avitan Shalom’s background adds another layer of complexity to the case. Before his arrest, he was an entrepreneur with multiple business ventures in the United States, dealing in medical supplies, real estate, and cryptocurrency in New York.
His arrest in Malaysia has not only affected him personally but has also had repercussions for his family. Shalom is married and has three children in Israel, aged between 16 and 9.
His imprisonment has undoubtedly placed a significant strain on his family, raising questions about his activities in Malaysia and the circumstances that led him to carry firearms without a permit. The case has prompted speculation about whether his possession of weapons was for personal protection or if there were other motives behind his actions.
The sentencing of Avitan Shalom highlights Malaysia’s strict stance on firearm possession and the serious consequences of violating the country’s gun laws. His case serves as a reminder of the severe penalties that foreign nationals can face when caught with weapons in a country with stringent firearm regulations.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏