🔓 Expat acquitted despite importing unlicensed firearms

Anton Parygin, a 45-year-old Canadian-Israeli-Russian citizen, was acquitted of charges related to the importation of three unlicensed firearms into the Cayman Islands. Despite being informed by the police that he could not bring the weapons into the country without securing licenses, Parygin arrived in the Cayman Islands with a 12-gauge shotgun, a semi-automatic rifle, and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. He was arrested on suspicion of importation and possession of an unlicensed firearm at Owen Roberts International Airport, where he presented the weapons to customs officers. 🛂

During the court hearing, Parygin's defense attorneys argued that their client had not violated any laws as he had declared the weapons and surrendered them to customs officers upon arrival. Justice Marlene Carter agreed with the defense's interpretation of the law, which allows transient travelers to bring weapons into the country, provided they declare them and apply for a license. Following this ruling, the crown reconsidered the case and decided to abandon the prosecution. Parygin was released from his bail conditions, including the return of a $30,000 cash bond used to secure his bail. The firearms, which are still unlicensed, remain in the custody of the CBC. Parygin must either obtain a gun license or special permission from the police commissioner to retrieve them, or else leave the Cayman Islands within a time period prescribed by the CBC. 🏛️