More than 110 weapons seized in Brussels arms trafficking investigation

In a major investigation into a criminal organisation involved in arms trafficking, the Brussels federal judicial police (FJP) has arrested six people and confiscated more than 110 weapons. The organisation, with possible branches abroad, is alleged to have distributed semi-automatic firearms in the Brussels-Capital Region in recent months.

“The meticulous investigation revealed that this suspected organisation had established its distribution network in the Brussels-Capital Region,” stated the Brussels public prosecutor's office. The organisation is suspected of the sale and supply of firearms in Brussels and beyond. “During the course of the investigation, up to 7 September, police forces confiscated more than 110 semi-automatic firearms and a large quantity of ammunition.”

The seized weapons did not have a control and quality marking, nor an identification number. According to the prosecutor's office, this is a practice favoured by criminals as it makes it very difficult to trace such weapons.

“It also appears that this organisation could have close links with other criminal groups abroad,” the prosecutor's office continued. “Cross-border connections would have enabled it to have large quantities of these firearms transferred to Belgium.”

The organisation could finally be dismantled on 7 September during a major police operation led by the FJP, in which special units also participated. Six persons were arrested. The judicial enquiry is in the hands of an investigating judge and is still ongoing.

^{Photo taken during a press conference on a seizure of over 110 firearms by the Brussels Federal Judicial Police, in Brussels, 13 September 2024 © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}