The coordinated operation led to 10 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of illegal firearms, ammunition and explosives precursors.
Europol supported an EU-wide investigation, led by the Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil), into the illegal manufacturing of firearms. The operational activities, initiated in Spain, involved law enforcement authorities from Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
In early 2023, the Spanish Civil Guard opened an investigation into the manufacture of illegal firearms. Clues pointed investigators to individuals across Europe and North America who had purchased specific tools to manufacture or modify firearms. Some of the individuals had previous criminal records, including for firearms-related crimes. The investigation uncovered several illegal workshops for the production of firearms. In some cases, the individuals used heavy industrial machinery, such as lathes and milling machines, to manufacture the illegal weapons. In other cases, suspects used 3D printing to produce some of the components needed to assemble the firearms. The investigative activities in the countries led to 15 action days in recent months.
The total results include:
- 10 arrests (6 in Spain, 1 in Sweden and 3 in the United Kingdom)
- 10 illegal firearms workshops dismantled (in Canada, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom)
- 24 location searches (2 in Canada, 9 in Germany, 2 in Ireland, 5 in Spain, 1 in Sweden, 2 in the Netherlands and 3 in the United Kingdom)
- 49 new investigations initiated (2 in Canada, 9 in Germany, 2 in Ireland, 2 in Spain, 1 in Sweden, 2 in the Netherlands and 31 in the United Kingdom)
- Seizures of:
- 70 illegal firearms, including assault rifles, 3D-printed semi-automatic submachine guns, pistols and drill presses)
- Weapons, including tasers, compressed air/blank firing weapons, crossbows, bayonets and butterfly knives
- Over 37 000 rounds of ammunition, explosives precursors, gunpowder and a grenade launcher
- Weapon parts and components: barrels, silencers and magazines
The results of the actions carried out in the different countries highlighted the importance of law enforcement cooperation across borders to combat the illegal production and trafficking of firearms. The multiple raids led to the detection of illegal private print shops in Canada, Germany, Spain and Sweden. This also highlighted the increasing use of 3D printing technology in the illegal production of firearms and the role of private manufacturing in the illegal trafficking of firearms.
Europol facilitated the exchange of information and operational coordination, and provided analytical support.
Source – Europol