KUALA LUMPUR — A 39-year-old Israeli national has been handed a seven-year prison sentence after admitting to illegally possessing multiple firearms and ammunition in Malaysia, his legal representative confirmed on Wednesday (Feb 26).

The case involves Shalom Avitan, who was apprehended last March at a prominent hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Authorities charged him with unlawful trafficking and possession of weapons, while a local couple faced accusations of supplying him with the firearms.

According to officials, Avitan allegedly entered Malaysia under the pretense of pursuing another Israeli citizen due to a personal conflict. His arrest followed an investigation into his activities after he was found carrying six firearms along with numerous rounds of ammunition.

The situation drew attention due to the absence of formal diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Israel. Law enforcement probed whether Avitan had connections to criminal networks or intelligence operations.

Reports indicate that Avitan initially arrived in Malaysia from the United Arab Emirates on March 12 last year using a French passport. However, upon his detention two weeks later at a Kuala Lumpur hotel, he presented an Israeli passport during questioning.

The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court approved Avitan's guilty plea this week and ruled that his prison term would be calculated from his arrest date last March. His defense counsel, Naran Singh, shared these details with media outlets.

The convicted individual will serve his sentence at Kajang Prison near the capital city. The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal arms trafficking within international borders.