A software engineer from Scotland has been sentenced to five years in prison after purchasing a firearm with cryptocurrency on the dark web.

David Mitchell, 48, was arrested by the Organised Crime Partnership in Scotland after a package containing a fully operational Glock handgun, a silencer, and bullets was flagged by United States border agents.

He was placed under surveillance by law enforcement, who proceeded to send a dummy package to Mitchell as part of a sting operation.

After having signed for the dummy package, police arrested Mitchell before searching his home.

Mitchell is reported to have spent more than “2,000 units of cryptocurrency” on the purchase. He admitted firearms charges at the High Court in Edinburgh last December.

The original package that was intercepted contained an amplifier used to conceal the weapon.

“The accused was seen signing for and taking delivery of the package,” advocate depute Liam Ewing told the court.

“Later that day, the accused was observed exiting the premises and placing the box in his car before driving home.”

Lord Pentland told Mitchell in the courtroom: “These offences arose from your planned and deliberate conduct in attempting to acquire a working Glock pistol and a quantity of suitable ammunition.

“It appears you formed a plan to obtain these items by carrying out research on the dark web.”

The case is being hailed as an “important milestone” for law enforcement in Scotland.

Rob Burgess, NCA regional head of investigations, said this of the landmark case: “Results like this show what can be achieved by close working between the NCA and Police Scotland.

“There is a strong link between illegal drugs supply and the use of firearms, with criminals seeking them to intimidate rivals and enforce control of criminal operations.”

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