Story perspectives

CBS Investigation: 58 Officers Sold Military-Grade Guns

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A CBS investigation revealed a pattern of police officers profiting from illegal gun sales, including military-grade weapons.
At least 58 officers have been charged, with 56 convicted or pleading guilty.
The probe identified roughly 50 law-enforcement officials who sold guns over 20 years at large markups.
Audits found two-thirds of missing firearms were illegally sold or traded and a 2018 GAO review reported $100 million in ICE-purchased guns and ammo missing.

1 of 1

Story summary

A CBS investigation revealed a pattern of police officers profiting from illegal gun sales, including military-grade weapons.
At least 58 officers have been charged, with 56 convicted or pleading guilty.
The probe identified roughly 50 law-enforcement officials who sold guns over 20 years at large markups.
Audits found two-thirds of missing firearms were illegally sold or traded and a 2018 GAO review reported $100 million in ICE-purchased guns and ammo missing.