Sydney man sentenced over pistol syndicate

A young man was still sharing a room with his brother in his parents' western Sydney home when he became embroiled in a syndicate importing parts for more than 100 Glock pistols into Australia.

Naive and seduced by the promise of money, he had little "capacity to appreciate" the criminal milieu into which most of the pistols disappeared, Judge Peter Whitford said.

Sydney District Court heard Greenacre man Ahmed Karnib was 20 when he was approached by men running the gun smuggling ring.

From November 2011 to his arrest in March 2012, he used his position as a freight forwarder at a Sydney shipping company to help import packages from Germany and the US.

He also became involved in the sale of several firearm parts.

More than 100 complete Glocks and 10 partial ones came out of the syndicate, of which only 14 have been recovered.

At least three pistols have been tied to public place shootings, another to an armed robbery and others to the Rebels Motorcycle Club.

In sentencing Karnib to at least three years and nine months in jail for his involvement in the criminal group, Judge Whitford said he had an "unremarkable upbringing" and came from a stable and loving family.

Karnib believed no harm would come of him due to his involvement in the group but now realised that was "pretty stupid", Judge Whitford added.

Since being in prison, Karnib has lost a great deal of weight and hair due to stress and anxiety.

"He appreciates he has not only let himself and his family down but also the entire community," Judge Whitford said.

He found Karnib was genuinely remorseful and had excellent prospects of rehabilitation.

He sentenced him to a maximum of eight years and three months for conspiracy to import prohibited goods and knowingly participating in the sale of firearm parts.

Taking into account time already spent in jail, Karnib will be eligible for parole in December.