FBI director gave NZ officials illegal firearms

SYDNEY, Oct 01 (AFP): FBI Director Kash Patel gifted New Zealand officials illegal firearms during his visit to the country earlier this year, authorities said Wednesday.

Patel visited New Zealand in July to open a permanent intelligence office and met with senior government ministers as well as intelligence bosses and law enforcement officials.

New Zealand's Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said Wednesday he received a "challenge coin display stand featuring an inoperable plastic 3D-printed replica pistol" from Patel during the visit.

"The advice of the Firearms Safety Authority was sought the following day and the gifts were collected from recipients and secured that day," Chambers said in a statement.

"While inoperable in the form they were gifted, a subsequent analysis by the Firearms Safety Authority and Police Armoury determined that modifications could have made them operable."