Story ID: 
Hansen Helicopters Imports Raise Questions
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Government suggests that Hansen continues to operate in violation of court orders
Word Count: 263
Two years after Guam-based Hansen Helicopters and its owner, John D. Walker, were convicted on multiple federal felony counts related to illegal operations, the U.S. government is suggesting that the company could be continuing to operate in violation of court orders.
In a case status report filed with Guam Federal District Court by prosecutors last month, the government accused Hansen of importing three Hughes 369 airframes into Guam as “used parts” from Japan Marine Service in July of this year. Customs documents listed the helicopters as being leased by Pacific Spotters, an entity formed by Walker in the Philippines following his and Hansen’s initial indictments in 2018. Walker, who has been incarcerated since his 2022 conviction, has been ordered to divest of all aviation holdings, including Pacific Spotters, of which he is currently a part-owner.
The helicopters in question were operated off Japanese fishing boats, potentially in violation of the court order. Prosecutors also raised concerns about the N-numbered helicopters’ inspection status and whether Hansen intended to repair and maintain them, also a violation of the court order. Pacific Spotters has denied doing any business with the fishing boat companies where the helicopters were based, owning the helicopters, or importing them into Guam. Prosecutors characterized this as “misrepresentations” based on forms submitted to Guam Customs.
Through his attorney, Walker denied participating in any civil aviation activity since his conviction. He is currently awaiting sentencing. The government moved over the summer to seize almost 2,000 acres of agricultural land that Walker owns via various corporate entities in Missouri.