Meet Suspected Dark Web Terror ‘Ivan the Troll,’ the Alleged Mastermind Fueling the Viral 3D-Printed Gun Craze

In a shocking development, German authorities have unveiled the identity of a key figure behind the surging popularity of 3D-printed firearms—John Elik, a 26-year-old gunmaker from Illinois, who operates online under the pseudonym “Ivan the Troll.” As a member of a controversial group known as Deterrence Dispensed, Elik is reportedly a significant promoter of the FGC-9 model, a firearm notorious for its accessibility and simplicity that has grabbed international attention.

The FGC-9, which stands for “F*** Gun Control,” primarily utilizes 9mm ammunition and has gained traction among extremists, criminal networks, and paramilitary factions across the globe, as revealed by a recent New York Times report. Elik’s influence within the 3D-printed gun movement is underscored by his frequent appearances in online content, often disguising his identity through various aliases.

In July 2021, the German authorities acted decisively, confiscating components necessary for assembling the FGC-9, showcasing the weapon’s worrying spread. Elik, a licensed firearms manufacturer and nephew of a state representative, operates legally within Illinois despite local regulations on homemade gun parts. His reach extends far beyond the U.S., with documented cases of the FGC-9 being found in at least 15 countries, from Spain to Myanmar.

The key appeal of the FGC-9 lies in its ability to bypass traditional gun regulations, which have made it an attractive option for individuals living in places with strict gun control measures. The weapon’s design enables construction using readily available 3D printers and basic metalworking skills, making it disturbingly simple to manufacture lethal firepower from home.

The FGC-9’s increasing prevalence poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies, as its untraceable nature complicates regulatory efforts. The situation is so dire that in the UK, possession of the instruction manual for the FGC-9 is classified as a terrorist offense. Authorities express deep concern over the rise of such firearms, which they believe not only defy legal restrictions but also propagate dangerous ideologies championed by groups like Deterrence Dispensed.

As technology marches forward, so too does the threat posed by 3D-printed firearms. Experts recognize that this phenomenon represents a confluence of technology, radical beliefs, and criminality, calling into question how societies will respond to the growing accessibility of such unregulated weaponry. The emergence of the FGC-9 illustrates an urgent need for lawmakers and law enforcement to devise new strategies to address this evolving landscape of weaponry and radical thought.