LOS ANGELES, March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced the arrest of Elie Malkoun, a 53-year-old citizen of Australia, for possession of a firearm by a non-immigrant visa holder.

ATF special agents from the Los Angeles Field Division, El Centro field office with task force officers from the California Department of Justice arrested Malkoun, in Glendale, Ariz., March 20, during a traffic stop without incident.   Malkoun, an alien who has been admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa, and not subject to an exception under 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2), did possess firearms illegally.  Agents and officers recovered several items of evidence linking Malkoun to being in possession of weapons in violation of federal law.

"This arrest is a clear indication that people are still trying to obtain firearms illegally which place communities at risk for violent crimes," said Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres, ATF Los Angeles Field Division.  "ATF will continue its mission in keeping the public safe by investigating all firearm-related crimes, by working with our state and local law enforcement partners, as we did with the California Department of Justice on this investigation."

Malkoun was arrested and transported to the U.S. District Court in Phoenix for his initial appearance.

All listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Contact:  Special Agent Christian Hoffman, PIO
Office:  (818) 265-2507
Cell:     (213) 216-3622
[email protected]

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives