A Las Vegas man with a history of felony convictions pleaded guilty today to selling more than a dozen firearms and ammunition without a federal license, according to the Department of Justice.
Gregory Urbanek admitted to operating an unlicensed gun business over a span of roughly seven weeks in 2025. Court documents filed in the District of Nevada show that between April 30, 2025, and June 17, 2025, Urbanek possessed and sold 14 different firearms, including shotguns, rifles, and pistols, along with a 100-round magazine.
Because of his prior criminal record, Urbanek is legally prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. His history in Clark County, Nevada, includes previous felony convictions for attempted grand larceny, trafficking in a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by an ex-felon.
Federal authorities emphasized that the sale of untraceable weapons through underground markets creates direct risks for local residents. By bypassing the federal background check system, unlicensed sellers allow weapons to enter communities without the safeguards intended to keep them out of the hands of prohibited individuals.
“Let me be crystal clear: when a convicted felon turns our neighborhoods into an underground gun market, they are putting a target on the back of every law-abiding citizen in this community,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada.
Chattah further said that this type of activity is not merely a “victimless paperwork crime,” but rather a “direct pipeline for violent crime.”
“Protecting the public is our mission. We are committed to ensuring that Las Vegas is a safe place. If you are a prohibited person and you obtain firearms or ammunition, we will hold you accountable. If you are firearms trafficking, we will hold you accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge John Wester, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
The investigation into Urbanek’s activities was conducted by the ATF. Federal prosecutors highlighted that the suspect’s conduct involved both the possession of weapons while being a prohibited person and the act of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without the required federal licensing.
Urbanek faces prison time because of his guilty plea. He pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The total statutory maximum penalty for these combined charges is 50 years in prison. United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro is scheduled to oversee the sentencing on February 10, 2027.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to assist in identifying similar illegal activities. Individuals can submit anonymous tips about gun crimes to the ATF by calling 1-888-ATF-TIPS or through the agency’s official website.
The case follows a broader federal effort to dismantle illegal arms pipelines that bypass the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives regulatory framework.
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