Man accused of trying to smuggle guns to Ghana in washing machine, dryer

A Charlotte man faces federal charges after officials say he tried to smuggle guns to Ghana hidden in appliances.

Richmond Akoto Attah, 33, is charged with one count of violating the Arms Export Control Act, one count of illegal firearms dealing, two counts of smuggling goods from the United States and four counts of making false statements to a firearms dealer. The most serious charge, violating the arms control act, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

For more than two years starting in September 2013, authorities say Attah purchased nearly 100 guns and 3,500 rounds of ammunition from various stores, Internet vendors and at gun shows, according to a news release from office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

In December, authorities said, Attah hid 27 guns inside a washing machine and a dryer he tried to ship from Charlotte to Ghana. He hid the ammunition inside a barrel. The guns and bullets were recovered and Attah was arrested.Cleve R. Wootson, Jr.

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Man accused of trying to smuggle guns to Ghana in washing machine, dryer."