An operation that involved 16 European countries and was headed by Romania and coordinated by Europol resulted in the seizure of 1,388 guns. Following months of collecting intelligence to pinpoint important targets, an event occurred in February, the specifics of which could only be released at this time for operational purposes.
There were 107 arrests and over 630 house searches conducted by hundreds of law enforcement officials during the action week. During the operation, around 900 weapons and nearly 500 converted or ready-to-be-converted firearms were found. Along with more than 60,000 rounds of ammo, other weapons including air guns and rifles made to discharge metal pellets were also found.
Law enforcement officials estimate that modified gas-alarm and signal firearms make up about half of the illicit weapons in circulation within the EU, despite the fact that 3D-printed weapons are frequently reported on.
These kinds of rifles are frequently used by individuals and organized crime groups since it is still simple to alter some versions so they may fire live ammo and become extremely deadly weapons.
They are typically purchased from reputable marketplaces at a reasonable price after they reach the EU. The guns would then be modified and marketed in other nations where it is illegal to import, own, or obtain a pistol without a license.
The converted firearms are lethal weapons that pose a serious threat to life and have been utilized by criminal organizations in a number of recent fatal shootings in the European Union.
In the battle against criminal networks engaged in the illegal trafficking of firearms, Europol is a vital ally of Member States. In order to make Europe safer, Europol’s analysts and professionals collaborate closely with counterterrorism experts on foreign investigations.
In order to notify the impacted nations about prospective targets and arms sales, Europol oversaw the global operation, examined the information gathered, and prepared intelligence packages. This feedback was helpful in sustaining the February coordinated action days. The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) provided funding for the operation, which also received backing from the European Commission.
