A YORK businessman has admitted smuggling thousands of Chinese weapon parts into the United States and could face up to 20 years in jail.

An American court was told that firearms dealer Karl Kleber imported 5,000 Chinese-manufactured, 75-round capacity AK-47 rifle drum magazines into America, with a total value of almost $350,000 – about £217,000.

The Press can reveal that Kleber, 56, is registered with Companies House as a director of two York-based companies – Jago Ltd and of Frederic James Ltd. Both firms are registered as being based at 31 St Saviourgate, in the city centre.

Kleber, originally from Germany but most recently living in Portugal, admitted negotiating a deal with a Chinese firearms manufacturer to make the magazines, while making out they were manufactured in Bulgaria, and then offering them for sale in America. It is illegal in the United States to import arms manufactured in China.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Kleber is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23.

He appeared before a district judge, Charles Siragusa, on Wednesday night, UK time, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit with his hands manacled. Asked by the judge why he committed the crimes, Kleber is reported to have replied: “Money.”

US attorney William J Hochul Jr said the United States government strictly regulated the importation of weapons and weapons components. “As this case demonstrates, this office stands fully committed to enforcing the nation’s arms trafficking laws and regulations,” he said.

“Along with our law enforcement partners, we are also totally dedicated to following evidence of crime to wherever it leads, including international destinations.”

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A woman at Jago and Frederic James’ offices in St Saviourgate said yesterday that no one wanted to comment.

Gary Hyde, who lives near York and is managing director of Dunnington-based York Guns and a director of Jago and Frederic James, is facing the same charge as Kleber, after being arrested in Las Vegas while attending SHOT Show, a massive sales event for firearms distributors, hunters and gun enthusiasts. His lawyer has previously reported he will deny the charges.