Criminal network of international arms dealers rounded up in Limburg
The Federal Judicial Police (FJP) of Limburg province has rounded up a criminal network of international arms dealers. Seven suspects, including two Austrians, are in pre-trial detention following their arrest on 9 May. The seized weapons were presented to the press at the FJP's premises in Hasselt on Friday.
Last Friday, investigators intervened during a large delivery of firearms in Limburg. Twenty searches were carried out in Heusden-Zolder, Beverlo (Beringen) and Genk. The illegal weapons were meant for the criminal environment, but also for people who want to possess firearms for pleasure without a valid licence.
For their trade, the suspects communicated via Telegram or Snapchat. According to Sophie Lever, director of the Limburg FJP, these online platforms play an important role in the illegal arms trade.
“It's a complex issue linked to organised crime, terrorism and cross-border networks"
Among those arrested, the young age of two twentysomethings, who were active in arms trafficking, stood out. They were even found to be able to provide rocket launchers. The two Austrians turned out to be the suppliers of mainly Glock pistols.
All over Europe, the network had connections to purchase an entire arsenal of weapons. In cooperation with Europol, the investigation is continuing to find out the origin of the illegal weapons and to gain insight into the buyers of the weapons.
New technologies and smuggling routes
“Illegal arms trafficking remains a significant problem in Belgium, with both domestic and international implications,” Limburg’s public prosecutor Frank Bleyen told reporters. “It's a complex issue linked to organised crime, terrorism and cross-border networks.” The emergence of new technologies and smuggling routes also poses a constant challenge.
“Within the Schengen area with open borders, control of arms imports is very difficult,” Bleyen added. “Many weapons come from Eastern Europe. Often parts are imported and the weapons are only put together later.”
#FlandersNewsService | Illegal firearms seized by the FJP Limburg police © BELGA PHOTO PINO MISURACA
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