The person at the center of this case
United States firearms regulations and national security
Violent Crime · Open
10 years waiting · since 2016
GEORGE NAKHLE AJALTOUNI
Justice for United States firearms regulations and national security — the trail went cold in 2016, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1How did Ajaltouni finance the purchase of hundreds of firearms in cash without triggering federal reporting requirements?
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vehicle
Lead #2What vehicle modification techniques were used to conceal firearms in door panels and body compartments, and could this method have been used by other smugglers?
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contact
Lead #3What was the nature of Ajaltouni's association with co-conspirator Nakhle Nader, and are there other network members involved in this operation?
George Nakhle Ajaltouni is wanted for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated firearms smuggling operation that moved hundreds of weapons from the United States to Lebanon between 2011 and 2014, hiding guns in vehicle compartments before shipping them overseas. Federal charges include conspiracy to smuggle goods, illegal firearms trafficking, export violations, and unlicensed dealing in firearms, with an additional 2018 warrant for naturalization fraud. Ajaltouni is believed to be residing in Lebanon and may travel to Cyprus and France, making his capture dependent on international cooperation and vigilance at border crossings.
Case
#929
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📍
location
Lead #4Why did Ajaltouni choose Lebanon as the destination, and what end-users or militant groups may have received these weapons?
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clue
Lead #5Ajaltouni's known travel to Cyprus and France suggests potential smuggling routes or safe houses—what connections exist in these countries?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Conspiracy to Commit Smuggling Goods from the United States and Illegal Shipment of Firearms; Smuggling Goods from the United States; Unlawful Delivery of Firearms to Common Carrier; Violation of Control of Arms Exports and Imports; Unlicensed Dealing in Firearms; Naturalization Fraud Caution: George Nakhle Ajaltouni is wanted for his alleged participation in a conspiracy to smuggle and illegally ship large quantities of firearms hidden in compartments inside vehicles from the United States to Lebanon from May of 2011 to September of 2014. Over the course of multiple years, Ajaltouni purchased pistols and rifles in cash at various gun shows and from private individuals in Ohio.
After accumulating a large quantity of firearms, Ajaltouni would then purchase a used vehicle. Ajaltouni would take the vehicle apart and allegedly hide firearms inside the doors and body panels of the vehicle.
The vehicles were then shipped from the United States to Beirut, Lebanon. Once the vehicle arrived in Lebanon, the firearms were removed from the vehicle and the vehicle was sold for profit.
On March 29, 2016, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Ajaltouni in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio, after he was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Smuggling Goods from the United States and Illegal Shipment of Firearms; Smuggling Goods from the United States; Unlawful Delivery of Firearms to Common Carrier; Violation of Control of Arms Exports and Imports; and Unlicensed Dealing in Firearms. In a separate matter, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Ajaltouni on November 9, 2018, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio, after he was charged with Naturalization Fraud for allegedly obtaining naturalization and citizenship in 2009 that he was not entitled to or eligible to receive.
Remarks: Ajaltouni resides in Lebanon. He may travel to Cyprus and France.
He is known to speak Arabic, English and French. He is an avid volleyball player.
Ajaltouni is associates with Nakhle Nader , who is also wanted by the FBI.
Timeline of Events
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2011-05-01
Smuggling operation begins
Ajaltouni begins purchasing firearms in cash at Ohio gun shows and from private individuals
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2014-09-30
Smuggling operation ends
Final illegal shipment of firearms to Lebanon occurs; operation spans approximately 3.5 years
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2016-03-29
Federal arrest warrant issued
Warrant issued in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio for conspiracy to smuggle and illegal firearms shipment
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2018-11-09
Second arrest warrant issued
Additional federal warrant issued for naturalization fraud related to citizenship obtained in 2009
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 1, 2011
Last Updated:October 29, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:May 1, 2011
Last Updated:October 29, 2026