Foreign National Charged With Gun Crime After Las Vegas Biolab Raid

Authorities found firearms and evidence of an illegal laboratory at a home in northeast Las Vegas.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 55-year-old foreign national named Ori Salomon has been charged with a federal gun crime after authorities raided a home in northeast Las Vegas and found him in possession of multiple firearms, including rifles and handguns. The raid followed an investigation into the home, which is owned by a Chinese national previously arrested in connection with an illegal biolab operation in California. Investigators collected over 1,000 samples from the Las Vegas residence that could contain dangerous pathogens, and three other individuals renting rooms from Salomon were released after being questioned.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the potential public health and safety risks posed by illegal biolab operations, as well as the issue of foreign nationals illegally possessing firearms in the United States. The Las Vegas raid is connected to a previous case in California, suggesting a broader network of illicit activities that authorities are working to disrupt.

The details

Ori Salomon, a 55-year-old foreign national, was arrested during the raid on the home in northeast Las Vegas on January 31. Federal prosecutors have charged Salomon with a felony gun offense, as he is in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Authorities also found evidence that the home was being used as an illegal biolab, similar to one previously dismantled in California. Over 1,000 samples were collected from the residence and sent to the FBI for testing, as investigators are concerned the samples could contain dangerous pathogens like HIV or malaria. Three other individuals renting rooms from Salomon were questioned but not charged.

  • The raid on the home in northeast Las Vegas occurred on January 31, 2026.
  • Salomon was charged with a federal gun crime on February 2, 2026.
  • Salomon made his initial court appearance on February 3, 2026.

The players

Ori Salomon

A 55-year-old foreign national who was arrested during the raid on the home in northeast Las Vegas and charged with a federal gun crime for illegally possessing multiple firearms, including rifles and handguns, while in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa.

Chinese national

The owner of the home in northeast Las Vegas that was raided, who was previously arrested in 2023 in connection with an illegal biolab operation in California.

FBI's Las Vegas field office

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in the investigation and raid of the home in northeast Las Vegas.

U.S. Attorney's Office

The federal prosecutors who charged Ori Salomon with a gun crime following the raid.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill

The Las Vegas sheriff who expressed concern about the potentially dangerous contents of refrigerators and a freezer found in the makeshift garage laboratory at the raided home.

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What they’re saying

“We must remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt any illegal activities that pose a threat to public health and safety.”

— Sheriff Kevin McMahill, Las Vegas Sheriff

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the contents of the refrigerators and freezer found at the raided home, and are working to determine the full scope of the illegal biolab operation and any potential connections to other illicit activities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the rise of illegal biolab operations, which can pose significant public health risks, as well as the issue of foreign nationals illegally possessing firearms in the United States.