Major Arms Trafficking Ring from Turkey to EU Dismantled; Ten Arrested

Europol has raised an alert following the dismantling of a significant ring suspected of trafficking imitation and converted firearms from Turkey into the European Union. French authorities, with support from Europol and the Swiss Federal Police, conducted a major operation between June 8 and 11, 2026, in southern France.

The joint operation led to the arrest of ten suspects. Investigators raided seven luxury residences in Fréjus, Cannes, Nice, and Marseille, seizing weapons, substantial amounts of money, forged documents, and high-value items. The network is believed to have established an organized supply chain connecting Turkey to the EU, allegedly providing firearms to criminal groups in various European countries via established smuggling routes.

The investigation, led by the French National Gendarmerie, is examining both arms trafficking and potential money laundering activities. The case originated in June 2025 when two imitation pistols were discovered hidden in a luxury car traveling from Switzerland to France. This initial discovery led investigators to uncover an extensive network, reportedly composed mainly of Turkish nationals.

A suspect of Turkish-German origin, considered the alleged leader, was arrested in Slovakia and extradited to Turkey in early 2026. Authorities suspect he continued to direct the network through associates in Europe despite his imprisonment. During the operation, assets exceeding 1.2 million euros were confiscated, including converted and imitation firearms, three luxury vehicles, expensive watches, jewelry, designer clothing, fake documents, and small quantities of narcotics. Mobile phones, computers, and approximately 30,000 euros in cash were also seized.

European authorities are increasingly concerned about imitation and converted firearms, which pose a growing threat to security. Modern imitation weapons are precisely manufactured and closely resemble real firearms, making them attractive to criminal organizations seeking cheaper and harder-to-detect arms. The dismantling of this network is considered a significant blow to a smuggling route that authorities believe supplied criminal groups across Europe.