Man who used 3D printer in attempt to make firearms jailed after terrorism investigation

A man who was attempting to use a 3D-printer to make a sub-machine gun has been sentenced to 15 years in jail after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Robert Adamski, 29 (19.04.96), a Polish national of Lea Bridge Road, E10, was arrested after officers from CTP London entered his address and found the printer in the process of making a component - later identified as a part needed for a FGC-9 Mk2 firearm, a 9mm calibre semi-automatic rifle.

He was also found in possession of various items relating to extreme right-wing ideology and analysis of his mobile phone revealed he had shared documents on a Telegram group, for which he was an administrator.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “This sentence shows the seriousness of attempting to use a 3D printer to make a firearm.

“Thankfully, in this case, due to the swift actions of counter terrorism officers, we were able to arrest Robert Adamski before he was able to produce a complete and viable firearm.

“Although he was found to be in possession of extreme right-wing material, I want to reassure the public we found no evidence Adamski was planning to use any weapons to target any particular communities or the wider public.

“But this case shows, attempting to create or modify 3D firearms or possessing one, even without the intent to commit harm, is illegal and will bring you to attention of the police and lead to serious criminal consequences.”

Adamski was arrested in the Walthamstow area on 11 July, 2024. He was taken into custody and counter terrorism officers searched his home address the next day.

As well as finding the printer in the process of making a component, there were also a number of other parts for the firearm that had already been printed, including a magazine that could hold 25 cartridges.
Counter terrorism detectives found a string of internet searches for 3D-printed guns and how to make them. A payment for a 3D printer was identified in his credit history in June 2024.

Adamski had subsequently saved onto his computer, on 1 July 2024, a guide on how to make the FGC-9 Mk2 firearm using a 3D printer.

After further enquiries, including liaising with specialist firearms experts, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised various terrorism and firearms-related charges and Adamski was charged on 17 July 2024.

Following a two-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Adamski was found guilty of:
-One count of possession of a document for terrorist purposes, contrary to section 58(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2000
-Four counts of dissemination of terrorist publications, contrary to section 2 (1) (a) and (c)of the Terrorism Act 2006

He pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to two counts of possessing a prohibited firearm, contrary to Section 5 Firearms Act 1968.

He was sentenced on 27 January at the Old Bailey to a total of 17 years, this includes 15 years in jail and two years on licence.

Anyone wanting to report something that doesn’t look or feel right can report it to police via www.gov.uk/ACT or call 999 in an emergency.