Warwick Resident Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession and Ammunition Manufacturing
Stefan Fenyes, a 47-year-old Slovakia national residing in Warwick, has been imprisoned at Birmingham Crown Court after authorities discovered an extensive collection of weapons and related equipment in his home. Fenyes admitted to charges of gun possession and manufacturing live ammunition, following a detailed investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Extensive Online Purchases for Weapon Assembly
During the inquiry, it was revealed that Fenyes had placed 227 separate online orders for items specifically designed to produce and maintain live ammunition. These purchases included specialized tools for reloading fired rounds, brushes for cleaning gun barrels, and storage boxes for ammunition. Investigators noted that his acquisitions were part of a deliberate effort to build a personal arsenal.
Discovery of Firearm and Additional Equipment
NCA officers conducted a search of Fenyes' residence, where they recovered a functional Czech-manufactured pistol equipped with a loaded magazine and multiple rounds of live ammunition. In addition to the firearm, authorities seized gun barrels, various component parts, and the tools Fenyes had ordered online. The collection also included military survival guidebooks, crossbows, knives, and other hunting and archery-related items.
Doomsday Preparation Claims and Arrest
Fenyes was arrested on March 20 at his workplace in Leamington Spa. During interviews, he explained that he was learning to manufacture ammunition as preparation for a potential UK "doomsday" scenario, such as a foreign invasion or widespread civil unrest. He claimed that the pistol was accidentally sent to his UK address during a 2024 trip to Slovakia, hidden in a fishing tackle box without his knowledge.
Court Sentencing and Official Statements
Fenyes pleaded guilty to the charges in April and was sentenced on March 12 at Birmingham Crown Court. Rick Mackenzie, the NCA senior investigating officer, commented on the case, stating, "Fenyes is clearly obsessed with guns and was intent on assembling an arsenal of weapons. Our investigation has crucially removed a lethal firearm from criminal circulation, as well as live ammunition." Mackenzie emphasized that while gun crime in the UK remains low globally, preventing the availability of illegal firearms to criminals is a key priority for the NCA.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address illegal weapon possession and the potential dangers associated with individuals stockpiling arms under the guise of preparedness for catastrophic events.
