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Wisconsin man hid firearms in toasters, coffee makers before shipping overseas: DOJ

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Published  February 5, 2025 11:13am CST
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 9
article

Judge gavel, scales of justice and law books in court. (Brian A. Jackson/South Florida Sun Sentinel) (Getty Images)

The Brief

    • The DOJ said Mark John Buschman, 60, of Wisconsin, has been federally indicted for selling and smuggling firearms to buyers in Saudi Arabia.
    • The indictment claims Buschman would conceal the firearms and related parts within common household items and tools, including coffee makers, toasters and car parts.
    • If convicted, Buschman faces up to 42 years in prison.

(FOX 9) - A Wisconsin man is accused of hiding firearms in toasters, coffee makers, and other household products before shipping them to buyers in Saudi Arabia. 

The Department of Justice announced on Tuesday the federal indictment against 60-year-old Mark John Buschman, which was filed in December, has been unsealed. He is facing six charges, including: 

  • Conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States
  • Attempted smuggling goods from the United States
  • Transporting and shipping firearms with removed, obliterated, or altered serial numbers
  • Mailing firearms as non-mailable prohibited items
  • Unlawful dealing in firearms without a license
  • Making false statements to law enforcement

Shipping firearms overseas

What we know:

The indictment alleges Buschman conducted an illegal export conspiracy between February 2019 and December 2024, during which he listed firearms and related parts for sale online, and shipped them to interested buyers in Saudi Arabia, who paid Buschman nearly $400,000.

Firearms and their components were hidden inside various household appliances and tools. According to the indictment, Buschman allegedly concealed smaller pistols inside toasters, while rifle barrels were hidden within car axles. Additional items used for concealment included coffee makers, space heaters, fans, and landscaping trimmers.

After concealing the firearms, Busch allegedly shipped the items to freight forwarding companies via the U.S. Postal Service, without declaring the presence of firearms or related parts. 

The indictment lists at least 16 shipments that were made over approximately five years. The DOJ said some of the serial numbers on the firearms and parts were removed prior to being shipped.

What we don't know:

Court documents do not say whether Buschman shipped firearms to other buyers besides those in Saudi Arabia.   

If convicted, Buschman faces a potential sentence of 42 years behind bars, and up to $1.5 million in fines. 

The Source: Department of Justice press release and federal indictment.

Crime and Public SafetyWisconsin