Investigation into firearm offences sees two men jailed
Two men from Rochdale and Oldham have been sentenced to a combined 16+ years in prison for firearm-related offences, including possession, conversion, and intent to endanger life. The investigation revealed their plan to use a converted firearm against another individual, with evidence including purchased blank-firing guns and incriminating messages.
Rewritten News Article:
Two Men Jailed for 16 Years Over Firearms Plot in Greater Manchester
April 29, 2025 - Manchester, UK
Two men have been sentenced to a combined total of 16 years in prison following a Greater Manchester Police investigation into illegal firearms possession and a suspected plot to harm another individual.
Dominik Pelikan, 21, of Rochdale, was sentenced to eight years and nine months after pleading guilty to transferring a prohibited firearm, possessing a firearm without a certificate, possessing ammunition without a certificate, and converting a firearm.
Mohammed Raji, 23, of Oldham, received a seven-year and six-month sentence after admitting to possession of a prohibited firearm with intent to endanger life.
The investigation began in 2024 when authorities uncovered encrypted messages between the two men discussing plans to acquire and use a firearm. According to police, the conversations included references to shooting a specific individual.
On August 2, 2024, Pelikan was observed traveling from Manchester to Bradford, where he purchased an Ekol Botan blank-firing handgun from a known supplier of replica firearms. Later that day, he was seen buying 8mm solid brass cartridges from a DIY store—ammunition compatible with converted blank-firing weapons.
Authorities executed a warrant at a residence on Mansfield Gardens in Oldham, where Raji was arrested. During the search, officers recovered a black handgun and live ammunition concealed in a plastic bag at the rear of the property.
Further investigation revealed that between December 2023 and April 2024, Pelikan had purchased 17 additional blank-firing firearms, raising concerns about potential conversion for criminal use.
Detective Inspector Richard Castley of the Serious Organised Crime Group stated:
> “This sentencing reflects the severity of firearms offences in Greater Manchester. These individuals were not merely in possession of illegal weapons—they were actively plotting to use them. A converted blank-firing gun can be just as lethal as any other firearm, and their intent posed a real danger to the public.”
Police emphasized that while the intended target was not ultimately harmed, the recovery of the weapons and ammunition likely prevented a tragic outcome.
Public Appeal:
Authorities urge anyone with information about illegal firearms to report it immediately. Tips can be submitted anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. In emergencies, dial 999.
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