Europol has dismantled 10 illegal firearms workshops across Europe.
The operation, which involved law enforcement agencies from 6 countries, resulted in the seizure of over 70 illegal firearms, including assault rifles, 3D-printed semi-automatic submachine guns, pistols, and drill presses. Additionally, over 37,000 rounds of ammunition and explosives precursors were seized.
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
Europol is continuing to investigate the operation and is working to identify and arrest any outstanding suspects.
