European Observatory to Combat Radicalization – EOCR
Almost 1 400 firearms removed from circulation in 16 European countries
Europol – More than a third of these were deadly converted weapons originally designed to fire blanks.A total of 1 388 firearms were seized during an operation led by Romania and coordinated by Europol, spanning across 16 European countries. After months of intelligence gathering to identify key targets, an action took place in February, the details of which could only be made public now due to operational reasons.
During the action week, hundreds of law enforcement officers carried out more than 630 house searches and 107 arrests. Nearly 500 converted – or ready to be converted – firearms were recovered during the operation, together with almost 900 firearms. Other weapons, such as air guns or rifles designed to fire metal pellets, were also recovered, along with over 60 000 rounds of ammunition.
Results of the action:
107 arrests; 636 house searches; 495 unconverted and converted alarm and signal weapons seized; 893 other weapons and firearms seized; 60 192 rounds of unconverted, converted, and live ammunition seized; 19.5 kg of drugs (heroin, cocaine, cannabis).
From legal to lethal
While 3D-printed weapons are often reported on, law enforcement authorities estimate that converted gas-alarm and signal firearms account for close to half of the illicit weapons in circulation within the EU.
Individuals and organised criminal networks often use this type of firearms, as certain models remain easy to modify to discharge live ammunition and convert into lethal weapons.
Once they enter the EU, they are usually bought for an affordable price from legitimate marketplaces. The weapons would then be converted and resold in other countries where obtaining, importing, and possessing a handgun requires a license.
Converted firearms are dangerous, life-threatening weapons which have been used by criminal organisations in numerous recent deadly shootings in the EU.
Europol’s role against firearms trafficking
Europol plays a key role in supporting Member States in the fight against criminal networks involved in illegal weapons trafficking. Europol’s experts and analysts work closely with counter-terrorism specialists on international investigations and combine efforts with Member States to help make Europe safer.
Europol coordinated the international operation, analysed the collected data, and drafted intelligence packages to inform the affected countries about potential targets and arms sales. This input helped support the coordinated action days in February. The operation was supported by the European Commission and funded by the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT).
Countries involved in the operation:
Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Albania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
European Observatory to Combat Radicalization – EOCR
