Crossbow-Style Slingshot Sold for Leisure Classified as Imitation Firearm... 12 Forwarded to Prosecutors

Police investigating a case where a steel ball flew into a villa in Busan and shattered a window have confirmed that crossbow-style slingshots promoted as leisure goods on domestic online shopping malls qualify as imitation firearms, leading to the apprehension of sellers and buyers.

The Busan Suyeong Police Station announced that it has apprehended and forwarded 12 individuals without detention on charges of violating the Control of Firearms, Swords, Explosives, Etc. Act for trading crossbow-shaped slingshots imported via overseas direct purchase through online shopping platforms.

They are accused of buying or selling imitation firearms purchased from China through domestic online shopping platforms from January 1 to October 18.

While investigating a case in May where a window and other parts of a villa in Mangmi-dong, Suyeong-gu were damaged by being struck by a steel ball, police discovered long guns and crossbow-shaped slingshots at a suspect's residence and traced the distribution channels.

As a result of requesting an appraisal from the National Forensic Service for the slingshots confiscated by the police, it was determined that they fall under imitation firearms according to the Enforcement Decree of the Firearms and Explosives Safety Control Act.


The National Forensic Service judged that the launching device, which uses the elasticity of rubber bands or springs, is equipped with a trigger mechanism and that the kinetic energy of the projectile exceeds the standard.

As a result of a destructive power test conducted by the police targeting glass bottles and beer cans, it was shown to be at a level that could cause fatal injuries if a person is hit at close range.


Police viewed that although this slingshot has a simple structure utilizing the elasticity of rubber bands, it poses a high risk of injuring people or causing property damage, and has the potential to be misused in crimes.

A police official said, "People can become lawbreakers out of curiosity after seeing social media and YouTube," and added, "If you discover items suspected to be illegal firearms, please actively report them to investigative agencies."

Police have recommended that the Korea Communications Standards Commission delete online imitation firearm sales posts and block harmful information on shopping platforms, and plan to continue analyzing shopping platform posts to conduct further investigations if suspicious items are confirmed.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.