Under New Zealand law, pistols are tightly controlled weapons, requiring a special permit beyond a regular firearms license. Even though Patel’s gifts were described as inoperable replicas, regulators judged the 3D-printed models to be potentially modifiable into working firearms. Unlike in the United States, gun ownership in New Zealand is treated as a privilege rather than a right. Patel’s visit was already notable because the FBI’s new Wellington office had been opened quietly, without public announcement, until after the fact. New Zealand officials downplayed the claim, saying the office would primarily focus on combating child exploitation and drug trafficking.