11 UK terror plot cases since 2020 involve 3D-printed guns, MI5 reveals

AT least 11 UK terror plot cases since 2020 have involved 3D-printed guns, MI5 has revealed.

The threat of the untraceable weapons was highlighted by the agency’s National Protective Security Authority.

It pointed to two recent convictions involving the so-called ghost guns.

On October 14 Jack Robinson was jailed for 9½ years at Winchester crown court, Hants, for trying to print a semi-automatic firearm that could be used for terror.

Ten days later the court caged far-right Gabriel Budasz for 12 years after a ghost gun and printer were found at his home.

The NPSA said they were just two of at least 11 similar cases.

A statement added: “The sentencing of Budasz and Robinson for terrorism offences related to the possession of 3D-printed weapons and associated materials demonstrates that it is likely that 3D-printed weapons present a persistent terrorist threat to the UK.

“Since 2020, there have been at least eleven terrorism-related cases in the UK involving attempts to manufacture or acquire 3D-printed weapons.”

Last year, a ghost gun was found on the alleged killer of health boss Brian Thompson in New York.

3D printer weapons have no serial numbers so it’s impossible to know how many have been sold, how many are in circulation, and the number used in crimes.