Hungary
Hungary PM Calls for Greater Gun Control, Crackdown on 'Sport' Shooters
Hungary Around the Clock (Budapest)
19 February 2010
Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai yesterday asked Justice and Law Enforcement Minister Imre Forgács to draft a decree on tightening gun control regulations within days. Bajnai spoke about crime as he assessed 2009 at a police conference. "The tragic or almost tragic shooting incidents of recent months have drawn attention to the need to tighten regulations on access to firearms," he said, adding "we cannot allow sick people who are... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Policeman Gets Life for Shooting 7, Killing 2 in Moscow Supermarket
Associated Press
19 February 2010
MOSCOW, Russia - A Moscow court sentenced a police precinct chief to life in prison Friday for a drunken shooting spree that killed two people and wounded seven. Maj. Denis Yevsyukov opened fire last April inside and outside a Moscow supermarket. He killed a cab driver and wounded several passers-by in the street, then gunned down a cashier and a customer in the market. He then held two dozen people hostage for several hours and... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States,Russia,Thailand
New Charges in US Battle to Deport Russian Gun Runner from Thai Jail
Associated Press
17 February 2010
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. prosecutors filed new charges Wednesday in their global pursuit of a suspected arms dealer, hoping to convince reluctant officials in Thailand to extradite him over objections from Russia. An updated indictment charges that Viktor Bout and his former business associate, Richard Chichakli, conspired to violate United Nations sanctions aimed at stopping bloody fighting in Africa. The new charges appear... ( gunpolicy.org )
Poland
Drugs, Guns, Ammunition Seized, 9 Arms Traffickers Arrested in Poland
Polskie Radio (Warsaw)
8 February 2010
Nine people have been arrested by border guards in southern Poland for arms dealing and criminal activities. The regional prosecutor in Nowy Sacz stated that the group is being charged with dealing in narcotics, arms, explosives and people. The criminal group has been working in the Silesia region since September 2009 and includes a Slovakian citizen charged with bringing illegal arms into Poland. Silesian police... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya,Czech Republic
Police Find Another 30,000 Kenyan, Czech Bullets in Suspect's Home
Associated Press
1 February 2010
NAROK, Kenya - Kenya's police chief says officers have seized another cache of bullets at the premises of a man already facing charges for a separate arms seizure last year. Matthew Iteere says police found the Kenyan and Czech-made bullets in a container at Munir Ahmed's garage. He says police seized two other containers but are yet to confirm their contents. Most of the 30,000 bullets are Kenyan, Iteere says. Such bullets... ( gunpolicy.org )
Belarus,North Korea,Kazakhstan,Ukraine,Serbia,Russia
Ex-Soviet Pilots, Aircraft Ship Weapons for Global Gun Running Networks
Time (USA)
17 December 2009
KIEV -- It was no ordinary smuggling bust. On Dec. 11, an old Russian plane landed in Thailand to refuel after taking off hours earlier from Pyongyang, North Korea. In its hull, police found 35 tons of explosives, rocket-propelled grenades and components for surface-to-air missiles, all being transported from North Korea in breach of U.N. sanctions. The captain and his crew were promptly arrested and charged with illegally transporting arms.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Hungary
Licensed Pistol Club Shooter Arrested for Hungarian University Killing
Hungary Around the Clock (Budapest)
30 November 2009
A court of the city of Pecs (S Hungary) has ordered the pre-trial detention of the young man who shot four people, killing one of them, at Pecs University earlier this week, Judge Istvan Hajdu told the press on Saturday. The 23-year-old pharmacology student gave himself up shortly after firing shots at his classmates, a lab worker and a cleaning woman in the biophysics research centre of the university just before noon on Thursday.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Hungary
Student, Club Shooter Kills 1, Injures 3 in Hungarian University Shooting
Hungary Around the Clock (Budapest)
27 November 2009
A pharmacology student fired shots inside a building of Pecs University in the south of Hungary just before noon on Thursday, killing a classmate and wounding another student, a male lab worker and a cleaning woman, local county police chief told the press from the site. Police have arrested the attacker, a 23 year-old man, who gave himself up over the phone shortly after firing the shots with a handgun, Jozsef Dakos said. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Nigeria,Ukraine,West Africa
Nigeria, Ukraine to Cooperate in Tackling Gun Running in West Africa
African Press Agency
17 November 2009
LAGOS -- Nigerian President Umaru Yar'adua said on Tuesday that Nigeria and the Republic of Ukraine would cooperate to stem the tide in illegal trading in small arms across West African countries. Receiving a letter of credence from the new Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Valerii Vasyliev in Abuja on Tuesday, Yar'adua expressed the hope that"Ukraine will help us to bring the illegal trade under control". Yar'adua noted... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia,China,Pakistan
Russia Confronts Pakistan, China Over 'Illegally' Copied AK Assault Rifles
United Press International
16 November 2009
HONG KONG, China -- At a press conference held during an international exhibition of defense equipment in Turkey last summer, a Russian military delegation harshly criticized the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Company for copying Russian weapons systems. The Russians claimed that the POF's RPG-7P anti-tank rockets, 122-mm D-30 howitzer ammunition and PK-10 assault guns were 100-percent imitations of Russian systems. The PK-10 assault... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia,Venezuela,United Nations
Ten Countries Apply to Build Kalashnikov Assault Rifle Producing Plants
RIA Novosti (Russia)
10 November 2009
MOSCOW -- Ten countries have applied for licenses to construct plants to produce Kalashnikov assault rifles, a deputy CEO of Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said Tuesday. Rosoboronexport is currently fulfilling a 2005 contract to build a Kalashnikov plant in Venezuela. "In the past few years, ten foreign states have applied to Russia for the creation of facilities on their territories to build licensed Kalashnikov... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand,United States,Russia,Colombia
Documents Shed New Light on Viktor Bout 'Merchant of Death' Arms Deal
Washington Times
5 November 2009
Newly obtained documents prepared by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) describe an elaborate sting operation to capture purported weapons trafficker Viktor Bout in Bangkok and America's current appeal to extradite him to New York. However, the documents, made public recently, do not confirm that Mr. Bout had access to the weapons or where the arms and ammunition were located. Mr. Bout, a Russian citizen, has... ( gunpolicy.org )
India,United Nations,Russia,China
UN Gun Trade Treaty 'Likely Very Weak' as India, Russia, China Abstain
Times of India / TNN
2 November 2009
NEW DELHI -- Even as the crucial global arms trade and transfers (ATT) treaty, which seeks to regulate the $55 billion arms trade and promote democracy, found overwhelming support from 153 member countries at the UN on Friday, India was among the 19 who abstained from the meet. These 153 countries -- including top arms suppliers like US, Britain, Germany and France -- supported a UN disarmament committee resolution which will lead... ( gunpolicy.org )
Germany,United Nations,Russia,China
Germany Backs Global Arms Trade Treaty, China and Russia Abstain
Deutsche Welle
31 October 2009
Germany, along with other key United Nations members, has backed talks on a global treaty to regulate the global trade of weapons. Two major arms suppliers, Russia and China, refused to support the measure. The United Nations resolution calls for talks aimed at agreeing a treaty to police the world's $55-billion (37-billion-euro) arms trade. The UN General Assembly's first committee on disarmament and peace passed the resolution... ( gunpolicy.org )
United Nations,United States,Russia
US On Board, Russia Abstains in UN Global Gun Trade Treaty Talks
Reuters
30 October 2009
UNITED NATIONS -- The world's top weapons exporters agreed to back negotiations on a global treaty to regulate the world's $55 billion arms trade, but Russia refused to show support, diplomats said on Thursday. The deal came after negotiators from four of the top arms traders -- the United States, Britain, France and Germany overcame sharp disagreements on the wording of a U.N. General Assembly resolution that will guide negotiations... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Kalashnikov, 90, Decries "Criminal" Use of Rifle, Russia's Loss of Profits
Reuters
26 October 2009
KLIMOVSK, Russia -- Approaching 90, the inventor of the Kalashnikov assault rifle has one big regret: The almost unstoppable Kalashnikov, designed in 1947, has become the weapon of choice for militants and rebels from Liberia to Afghanistan as well as gangsters and drug traffickers. "It is painful for me to see when criminal elements of all kinds fire from my weapon," Mikhail Kalashnikov said in a videotaped address to... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia,China
Russia, China Near Copyright Deal to Licence Kalashnikov Production
RIA Novosti (Russia)
22 October 2009
KLIMOVSK -- Russia is working to reach an agreement with China on copyright protection of Kalashnikov assault rifles, the head of Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said Thursday. "We have received China's national patent for Kalashnikov products. The documents have been handed to the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation to prepare and conclude an intergovernmental agreement in the field," Anatoly Isaikin... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand,United States,Russia
US Pushes Thais to Extradite Suspected Russian Gun Runner
Associated Press
14 October 2009
BANGKOK -- A senior U.S. Justice Department official on Tuesday told Thai officials the extradition of suspected arms dealer Viktor Bout is "a matter of great importance to the United States." U.S. Deputy Attorney General David Ogden told reporters he was "disappointed" by the decision of a Thai lower court in August to reject a U.S. extradition request for the Russian and was hopeful an appeals court would rule to extradite him.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand,Colombia,United States,Russia
Cold War Reopened in Fight to Free, Jail 'Merchant of Death' Gun Runner
Reuters / RIA Novosti
24 September 2009
MOSCOW -- Colombia has appealed to Thailand over its decision not to extradite alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to the U.S., the Kommersant daily reported on Thursday. Former Russian army officer Bout, 42, was arrested in Thailand in March 2008 during a sting operation led by U.S. agents. The Bangkok Criminal Court refused in August to extradite Bout to the United States, where he is accused of conspiring with others... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia, United States
Kalashnikov Faces Bankruptcy as Knock-offs Outsell AK-47s Ten to One
Globe & Mail (Toronto)
21 September 2009
For years, the AK-47 assault rifle has been the world's most popular weapon, the gun of choice for dictators, gang members and Third World revolutionaries. But the global recession and a proliferation of copycats has left the Russian maker of the Kalashnikov, OAO Izhmash, in financial turmoil. Monday, a court in Russia said it will consider a bankruptcy application filed against Izhmash by a supplier owed more than $13-million... ( gunpolicy.org )
West Africa,Czech Republic
Czech Government Builds Gun Marking, Tracing Capacity in West Africa
United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) DC/3190, Media release
18 September 2009
NEW YORK -- Small arms experts from West African nations gathered in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, from 14 to 18 September to participate in a capacity-building workshop focusing on implementation of the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. United Nations Member States adopted the document, also known as the International... ( gunpolicy.org )
Slovakia
Slovakia Launches Gun Amnesty, Aims to Collect Unregistered Firearms
SITA Online (Baratislava)
10 September 2009
BRATISLAVA -- As of October, citizens of Slovakia will have seven months to hand in illegally held arms and ammunition without being charged for it. This stems from amendment to the law on arms and ammunition, which lawmakers approved in the third reading. Of the 129 deputies present in the150-member parliament, 119 supported the bill. The ministry estimates that the number of illegally held firearms and ammunition will... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ukraine, United Kingdom, Africa
UK Investigates Murky AK-47 Deal Linking Ukraine, Mystery African Nation
Kyiv Post (Ukraine)
3 September 2009
Once again, nation's reputation takes a hit after arms allegedly end up in an outlaw African nation facing an international arms embargo. The United Kingdom government is investigating a British arms broker in a sale of light arms originating from Ukraine to an undisclosed country under international embargo. Although no claims have been filed against Ukraine so far, the country is implicated in improper licensing procedures of... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia
Thai Court Rejects Global Gunrunner Viktor Bout's Bail Request
RIA Novosti (Russia)
2 September 2009
BANGKOK -- A Thai court refused on Wednesday to release alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on bail and under guarantees from his lawyer and Russian diplomats. Bout's family earlier appealed to the Bangkok Criminal Court to release him on bail in a motion submitted by his defense and Russian Embassy officials. The court said it could not grant Bout bail because the Thai prosecutors representing the United States had... ( gunpolicy.org )
United Kingdom, Russia
MPs, Minister 'Concerned' at UK Arms Dealers Trafficking ex-Soviet Guns
BBC News
19 August 2009
UK-based arms dealers may have been selling former Soviet weapons from Ukraine to blacklisted countries, a cross-party group of MPs has warned. The MPs said they were "extremely concerned" the UK government had not been aware of a list of arms dealers licensed by the Ukrainian authorities. Foreign Secretary David Miliband has ordered an investigation into the alleged transactions. The MPs are calling for tougher... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia, Thailand, United States
Viktor Bout, the 'Merchant of Death': Gunrunner with Captivating Character
CBC News (Canada)
18 August 2009
Viktor Bout may not be a household name like Osama bin Laden, but to some he is considered no less dangerous. Dubbed the Merchant of Death, the former Soviet air force officer is said to have delivered arms that fuelled some of the world's worst conflicts and is linked to the likes of warlords and dictators. For author and security expert Stephen Braun, one of the "great ironies" surrounding Bout lies in the United States'... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia
'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout Wonders Why the US Wants Him So Badly
Bangkok Post
16 August 2009
In a series of exclusive interviews, Viktor Bout talks to the press outside Russia for the first time about his arrest in Bangkok and the failed effort to extradite him to the US After the surprise court ruling in Bangkok last Tuesday when the United States was denied the extradition of Viktor Bout, the man they have dubbed the Merchant of Death flashed a "V" for victory sign as he was led in leg irons and an orange prison suit... ( gunpolicy.org )
Georgia, Russia
South Ossetia Tries to Disarm Its Citizens with Amnesty, Buyback
New York Times
15 August 2009
TSKHINVALI, Georgia -- For years, there was not much difference between a civilian and a soldier in South Ossetia, which was embroiled in a long struggle to separate from Georgia. David G. Sanakoyev, for example, wore a tie during the day. As South Ossetia's ombudsman for human rights, he handled complaints about prison conditions or unlawful firings. Three times a week, after work, he changed into camouflage and took up a position... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia
Thai Court 'Violated UN Resolutions' by Not Extraditing Gunrunner Bout
Nation (Bangkok), Editorial
15 August 2009
On the surface, the court decision earlier this week to deny the extradition of world-famous mercenary Viktor Bout seemed to be a logical one. Bout had done Thailand no harm, the court argued. He might be a bad guy somewhere out there, arming rebels, outlawed groups and political organisations, except these people have never hurt Thailand. However, upon deeper scrutiny, the ruling was faulty on every count and will end up having... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia
Thailand, US Push Again for Extradition of Russia's Global Gun Runner
Associated Press
14 August 2009
BANGKOK -- Thai prosecutors announced Thursday they plan to challenge a lower court ruling that rejected a U.S. request to extradite suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. That means Bout, 42, dubbed the "Merchant of Death" for allegedly shipping arms that have fueled conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, will spend several more months in a Thai jail pending the appeal. He had hoped for release as early as... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia
Thai Court, Russian Suspect, US Disbelief as Global Gun Runner Walks
International Herald Tribune
12 August 2009
BANGKOK -- A Thai court stunned U.S. officials here on Tuesday by rejecting the extradition of Viktor Bout, the Russian businessman accused of global arms trafficking. Mr. Bout, the inspiration for the 2005 Hollywood film "Lord of War," was arrested in a March 2008 sting operation at a hotel in Bangkok after allegedly agreeing to sell millions of dollars worth of weaponry to undercover U.S. agents posing as rebels from the Revolutionary... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia
Thailand Blocks US Attempt to Extradite Global Gun Trafficking Suspect
New York Times / International Herald Tribune
12 August 2009
BANGKOK -- A Thai court stunned American officials here on Tuesday by rejecting the extradition of Viktor Bout, a Russian businessman who is accused of global arms trafficking. Viktor Bout was escorted from a courthouse in Bangkok on Tuesday after a judge refused a request that he be extradited to face arms trafficking charges in the United States. The United States says Mr. Bout agreed to sell millions of dollars worth... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, Russia, United States
Thailand Rejects US Request to Extradite Russian Gun Runner Bout
Associated Press
12 August 2009
BANGKOK -- A Thai court on Tuesday rejected a U.S. request to extradite a Russian arms dealer who allegedly sold weapons to dictators and warlords around the world, raising the prospect that he could be freed by the weekend. The unexpected ruling in favor of Viktor Bout was welcomed by Russia. The United States, which had mounted the sting operation that led to his arrest at a Bangkok hotel, said it was "mystified" by the court's... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, Russia, United States
Viktor Bout is Just the Middleman: Target Big Government Gun Runners
Nation (Bangkok), Editorial
12 August 2009
The criminal court has rejected a request by the United States for the extradition of Viktor Bout, an alleged Russian arms dealer dubbed the "Merchant of Death". Bout, who is said to have inspired the Hollywood film "Lord of War" starring Nicholas Cage, has been fighting extradition since his March 2008 arrest in Bangkok on charges of peddling weapons. While the decision may have surprised some, given the close diplomatic... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, Russia, United States
Russian 'Merchant of Death' Defies US Attempt to Try Him for Gunrunning
Guardian (UK)
11 August 2009
Had Hollywood not already fictionalised Viktor Bout's extraordinary life in the arms-dealing blockbuster Lord of War, events today might have provided a fitting closing scene and set it up nicely for a sequel. For in front of a febrile media throng, a grinning, mustachioed Bout, 42, allegedly the world's biggest gunrunner, flashed a victory sign as he sauntered from a Bangkok court after a Thai judge refused to extradite him to... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, Russia, United States
Thai Court Dismisses US Case Against Russian 'Merchant of Death'
Deutsche Presse-Agentur
11 August 2009
BANGKOK -- A Thai court Tuesday dismissed a case against Russian national Viktor Bout, an alleged gun-runner dubbed the 'Merchant of Death,' allowing the prosecution 72 hours to appeal the verdict. 'If the prosecution doesn't appeal within 72 hours, then Viktor Bout is free,' judge Kittakorn Phattanasiri said. Bout was arrested at a Bangkok hotel in March 2008 in a joint US-Thai sting operation that caught the Russian negotiating... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Russia
Licensed Gun Store Owner Guilty in US-Russia Arms Trafficking Case
Citizens Voice (Pennsylvania)
6 August 2009
The owner of a Luzerne County gun store pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy in Scranton's federal court. Mark Komoroski, co-owner of D&R Sports Center in Nanticoke, was one of two people indicted in 2006 for allegedly smuggling of military equipment into Russia, Kuwait, Germany and Japan in violation of U.S. export laws. The federal investigation focused primarily on paramilitary equipment purchases made from D&R in early... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Gun Ownership Grows 10% per Year, Now 'Generally Accepted' in Russia
Georgian Daily (Tbilisi) / Novyye Izvestiya
20 July 2009
As the economic crisis deepens and fears of crime spread, not only are more Russians buying guns of various kinds -- including pistols and gas guns -- but many of them are buying more than one, trends that are prompting some Duma deputies to consider repealing existing restrictions on the purchase of hunting rifles for self-defense. But as could be expected on the basis of the experience of other countries, many of these guns are... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Over 180,000 Russians Obtained Gun Licenses in First Quarter of 2009
Times of India / IANS
20 July 2009
TULA -- Over 180,000 Russians have received gun licenses since the beginning of the year, a Russian cabinet minister said. "In the first quarter of the year alone, the licenses issued covered 50,000 pieces of firearms," Russia's first deputy interior minister colonel-General Mikhail Sukhodolsky said during his address to territorial ministries and departments of the Interior Ministry. "All in all, about 180,000 people received... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia, United Nations
Born on 6 July, 1947: The AK-47 Assault Rifle, an All-Purpose Killer
Wired (USA)
6 July 2009
1947: The AK-47, one of the world's first operational assault rifles and probably the most durable and enduring small-arms weapons ever made, goes into production in the Soviet Union. More than 60 years later, it remains the standard infantry weapon in numerous armies, and a mainstay in the arsenals of rebels, drug traffickers and terrorists worldwide. The AK-47 was the brainchild of self-taught inventor Mikhail Kalashnikov, the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ukraine
Ukraine Sold Arms Worth About $800 Million in 2008, Says State Agency
Interfax-AVN Military News Agency (Russia) / Segodnya
2 July 2009
KYIV -- Ukraine gained about $800 million in arms trade in 2008, UkrSpetsStroy Director General Serhiy Bondarchuk said in an interview posted by the Thursday issue of the Segodnya newspaper. "Arms exports were worth of $700 million in 2007 and about $800 million in 2008, as compared to $400 million in 2004," he said. Ukraine has made a breakthrough in arms trade geography, Bondarchuk said. He referred to the recently signed... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, Russia, United States
Russian Gun Runner in Thai Extradition Case Says US Agents Broke Law
New York Times
30 June 2009
BANGKOK -- Viktor Bout, the Russian businessman and suspected arms trafficker facing possible extradition to the United States, is pursuing what his lawyer calls a rare legal procedure that accuses American officials of overstepping their jurisdiction during a sting operation here last year. The procedure could delay the extradition process and, if successful, result in criminal charges filed against three agents of the Drug Enforcement... ( gunpolicy.org )
Bulgaria, Greece
Bulgarians in Greece Accused of Trafficking Assault Weapons, Drugs
Sofia Echo
23 June 2009
The four Bulgarian citizens apprehended by the Greek coastguard on June 22 were charged with weapons and drug trafficking, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry has said. The Bulgarians were caught ferrying four sidearms equipped with suppressors, an AK47 assault rifle, 1.4kg of TNT and 5.4kg ammonium nitrate, which is used to make improvised explosive devices. The Bulgarians also had in their possession an undisclosed amount of cocaine.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Nigeria, Ukraine, Equatorial Guinea
Crew of Impounded, Gun-filled Ukrainian Plane Moved to Nigerian Capital
This Day (Lagos)
22 June 2009
KANO -- The seven-member crew of the Ukrainian aircraft that flew into the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday with arms and ammunition were yesterday moved to the Abuja office of the Directorate of Military intelligence (DMI) for further investigation. A Nigerian clearing agent linked with the Ukrainian aircraft, simply identified as Sylvester, was also taken to the DMI office with the crew. Sources also... ( gunpolicy.org )
Nigeria, Ukraine, Equatorial Guinea
Ukrainian Plane, Gun Cargo Seized in Nigeria May Be 'Meant for Militants'
Vanguard (Lagos)
21 June 2009
Military authorities yesterday said the Ukranian cargo aircraft loaded with arms and ammunition, which was seized at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport last week, was the type of aircraft used for arms smuggling and that they have no reason not to believe that the arms were not meant for militants in the Niger Delta. According to the military, whether the cache of weapons were destined for Equitorial Guinea or Niger Delta,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Ukraine, Guinea-Bissau, West Africa
Nigeria Seizes Planeload of Guns, Military Ammunition for Mystery Client
Daily Trust (Abuja)
19 June 2009
The huge consignment of weapons found in the Ukrainian cargo plane now detained at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano was procured by the Ministry of Defence of Equatorial Guinea, the crew members of the detained plane told security agents yesterday. They insisted that they were on their way to Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, to deliver the arms consignment from the former Soviet Republic of the Ukraine when... ( gunpolicy.org )
Nigeria, Ukraine, Equatorial Guinea
Nigeria Impounds Ukrainian Plane Carrying Guns for Equatorial Guinea
Reuters
18 June 2009
KANO, Nigeria -- A Ukrainian cargo plane bound for Equatorial Guinea has been impounded in Nigeria after security officers found weapons and ammunition on board, a Nigerian official and Ukrainian media said. The official at northern Nigeria's Kano airport, who asked not to be named, said the plane had stopped to refuel late on Wednesday when the arms were discovered during a routine search. Nigerian police confirmed that... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, Russia, United States
Alleged 'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout's Wife Protests His Innocence
Bangkok Post
7 June 2009
Alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout has been detained in a Thai prison for more than one year after being arrested in a US Drug Enforcement Agency undercover sting operation in Bangkok on March 6 last year. In August, the court will decide whether or not to allow Mr Bout's extradition to the United States to face charges relating to attempting to sell weapons to Farc rebels in Colombia According to an arrest warrant issued by... ( gunpolicy.org )
Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Belarus Ratifies CIS Accord on Illegal Gun, Ammunition Trade
BBC Worldwide Monitoring / Belapan (Minsk), Transcript
30 May 2009
MINSK -- Belarusian MPs have agreed to ratify the agreement on cooperation between the CIS member-states in counteracting illegal production and sales of firearms, ammunition, explosive substances and devices. Belarusian Deputy Interior Minister Syarhey Hureyew said that the agreement was signed on 14 November 2008 in Chisinau by Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to ensure effective joint... ( gunpolicy.org )
Spain, Bulgaria
Drug Gang Found Smuggling Guns from Bulgaria to Spain, 23 Arrested
TypicallySpanish.com, Web page
27 May 2009
A National Police operation has broken up a drugs and weapons trafficking organisation which smuggled arms into Spain from Bulgaria and sold them onto other criminal gangs. The Interior Ministry said in a press release that 23 people are in custody and 19 weapons have been seized after eight property searches. The investigation began with information from Bulgaria and led police to identify members of a gang based in Dénia, Alicante... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Moscow Riot Police Officer Arrested in Ammunition Trafficking Sting
Moscow Times
26 May 2009
An OMON riot police officer was arrested Monday in a sting operation while trying to sell explosives and ammunition that he purportedly stole from the arms depot he was tasked with overseeing, police and prosecutors said. Mikhail Belikov, 56, was detained by police after selling various explosive devices and ammunition for 152,000 rubles ($5,000) to an undercover agent, the Investigative Committee said in a statement. Police... ( gunpolicy.org )
Czech Republic
New Czech Gun Trade Legislation Enables Opaque Sales, Say Experts
Prague Post
21 May 2009
Five-thousand machine guns, six rocket launchers and thousands of RPG-7 anti-tank grenade launchers. Back in 2000, the Czech government surreptitiously issued licenses to local arms makers Ceská Zbrojovka and Moravia Arms for the sale of these and other weapons to Zimbabwe, a friendly neighbor of the civil war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, where the weapons could not be exported directly due to international embargoes. The affair was... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia, Pakistan
Russia Warns Pakistan Not to Make, Sell 'Counterfeit' Assault Rifle
MosNews (Moscow) / Ria Novosti, Web page
29 April 2009
Russia's delegation to the IDEF-2009 international defense industry fair being held in Turkey has complained that counterfeit weapons are being displayed, RIA Novosti reports on Tuesday. According the chief delegate, Anatoly Aksenov, Russia plans to exert pressure on all countries, displaying unlicensed copies of Russian weaponry. The delegation alleges that counterfeit RPG-7 grenade launchers, 30 mm artillery shells and the world... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Policeman Shoots 10, Kills 3 in Moscow Supermarket After Wife Left Him
Associated Press
27 April 2009
MOSCOW -- A Moscow district police chief opened fire on the street and in a supermarket early Monday, killing three people and wounding seven others -- four of them critically, Russian investigators said. Police Maj. Denis Yevsyukov, who heads a southern Moscow police department, opened fire just after midnight and was detained after killing a driver, a supermarket cashier and customer, federal investigators said in a statement.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ukraine
Border Guards Seize Drugs, 112 Weapons from Gun Runners in Ukraine
BBC Worldwide Monitoring / UNIAN (Kiev), Transcript
19 April 2009
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the special-purpose unit Alfa in Odessa Region have uncovered a criminal group involved in smuggling drugs all over Ukraine, the UNIAN news agency reported on 15 April. The agency quoted the Odessa regional directorate's press service as saying that during a special operation a large amount of heroine, cocaine, and amphetamine was seized from six drug dealers, and a drug courier with 500... ( gunpolicy.org )
Belarus, Ukraine
Smuggler's Bus Yields 15 Handguns, AK-47 at Ukraine-Belarus Border
BBC Worldwide Monitoring / Belapan News Agency (Minsk), Transcript
3 April 2009
Brest border guards and customs officers have thwarted an attempt to smuggle a batch of weapons. Head of the State Border Committee's press centre Alyaksandr Tsishchanka told Belapan that an Ikarus passenger bus with 47 passengers and a Ukrainian driver heading from Ternopil to Brest was detained on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border at the Makrany border station overnight on 2 April. Border guards and customs officers first... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Thailand, Russia
Russia, USA Vie for Gun Dealer Viktor Bout, Still Caged in Thailand
National Public Radio (USA) / Morning Edition, Transcript
20 March 2009
In 2005, Nicholas Cage played an international arms dealer in the movie Lord of War. The film was based on the real life story of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is now in prison in Thailand. Bout awaits extradition to the U.S. after undercover agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency lured him to Bangkok -- by posing as Colombian guerrillas looking to buy arms. Bout is fighting his extradition. And so is the Russian... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia
Honest Arms Dealer 'Pawn in Russia-US Chess Game,' Says Mrs Bout
Associated Press
17 March 2009
BANGKOK, Thailand -- The wife of a Russian businessman accused of conspiring to sell weapons to Colombian Marxist rebels said Tuesday that the only trip the couple had ever taken to Latin America was to learn the tango. Alla Bout was testifying at an extradition hearing for Viktor Bout, a former Soviet air force officer dubbed "The Merchant of Death" who is reputed to have been one of the world's most prolific arms dealers. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia
Thai Court Hears 'Unlawful Arrest' Case of Russian Citizen Viktor Bout
ITAR-TASS (Moscow)
17 March 2009
BANGKOK -- The Criminal Court of Thailand on Tuesday is holding hearings in the case "on unlawful arrest" of Russian citizen Viktor Bout who was detained on suspicion of smuggling weapons. The businessman's wife Alla Bout told Itar-Tass that on Tuesday witnesses in the case were expected to speak in court. She was also expected to give evidence and if the court allows, the defendant will also express his view. The businessman's... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Russia, Thailand
US-Russia Battle Heats Up Over 'Merchant of Death' Gun Dealer Bout
Associated Press
14 March 2009
BANGKOK -- U.S. President George W. Bush's last meeting with the prime minister of Thailand was in August, a swan song moment before his departure. Yet he made time to bring up the issue of one man: Viktor Bout, also known as the Merchant of Death. Bout, a Russian businessman who is thought to be the world's most notorious arms dealer, has been held in a Bangkok prison since he was arrested last March after a U.S.-Thai sting operation.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, Russia, United States
Thai Judge to Decide Soon on 'Merchant of Death' Gun Runner Bout
Reuters
9 March 2009
BANGKOK -- The Thai judge presiding over an extradition hearing for alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, wanted by the United States, said on Monday he aimed to end the hearing this month. The judge at Bangkok's Criminal Court complained about the defense's continued failure to produce witnesses. "Looking at the list of witnesses, we shouldn't use up all this much time. It looks inappropriate," the judge said. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Thailand, Russia, United Nations
Gun Runner Bout Has Thailand, Russia, US in 'Geostrategic Dilemma'
Far Eastern Economic Review
6 March 2009
BANGKOK -- Today marks the one year anniversary of alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout's arrest in Bangkok, a contested covert operation that has put Thailand in the geopolitical middle of the United States and Russia. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Bout will be extradited to the U.S., where he faces charges of conspiracy to provide weapons to a foreign terrorist organization. After Canada and Mexico, Thailand extradites... ( gunpolicy.org )
Romania
Heads Roll as Soldiers, Generals Accused of Stealing Romanian Army Guns
BBC Worldwide Monitoring / Ziua newspaper website (Bucharest), Transcript
25 February 2009
A large number of high ranking military officers have been dismissed, demoted, or reshuffled after the recent arms theft. Seven very low ranking military officers were arrested because prosecutors established that they had been responsible for, or had been accomplices to the theft. In the meantime, more than 60 weapons have simply disappeared. As we announced exclusively in yesterday's issue of our daily, the theft of the arms in... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Mexico, Eastern Europe
Ban Assault Weapon Imports, 53 US Members of Congress Urge Obama
Congressional Documents and Publications: US House of Representatives Documents
12 February 2009
Congressman Eliot Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, wrote a letter signed by 53 Members of Congress urging President Obama to "return to enforcement of the law banning imports of assault weapons, which was previously enforced during the administrations of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton." The letter was also led by Congressman Michael Castle (R-DE) and Congresswoman... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Thailand, Russia
US Lawmakers Push Obama to Extradite Gun Runner Bout from Thailand
Associated Press
12 February 2009
WASHINGTON, DC -- A Russian businessman known as the 'Merchant of Death' is a wanted man in Washington. More than two dozen House lawmakers are pressing the Obama administration to make sure that Viktor Bout is extradited to the U.S. from Thailand where he was arrested a year ago for conspiring to arm Colombian rebels. In a Feb. 11 letter to Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the members... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Russian Officers Can Break Makarov Tradition, Buy Foreign Pistols - Putin
Moscow Times
10 February 2009
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing some law enforcement officials to carry imported guns for self-defense. The decision is unprecedented in Russia, which is proud of its arms-making traditions. Putin signed a document Jan. 31 allowing prosecutors and investigators with the prosecutor's office to use the Italian-made Beretta 92, Czech CZ 75 and Austrian Glock 17 pistols, Interfax reported Monday. Prosecutors... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia, Africa, China
Russia's 'Illegal' Gun Sales Arm Smugglers, Gangs - Accra Think Tank
Inter Press Service News Agency
29 January 2009
MOSCOW -- Russia's state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, plans to grow the volume of Russian armament and military equipment to Africa over the next four to five years. This comes on top of allegations that Russia is selling arms to smuggling and contraband rings, thereby contributing to conflict on the war-torn continent. "We have revived our contacts with all African countries that used to be traditional buyers of Soviet weaponry,"... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ukraine
Ukraine Earned Over a Billion Dollars Exporting Military Goods, Services
BBC Worldwide Monitoring Service / Defense Express, Web page
23 January 2009
Ukraine has earned at least 1-1.2bn [US?] dollars from the export of special goods and services in 2008, expert Serhiy Zhurets writes. Despite a certain rise in sales year on year, the profitability of Ukrainian arms exports has been decreasing, due particularly to higher prices for ferrous metals and workforce and the hryvynya's depreciation, he noted. Analyzing exports by sectors and providing statistics, Zhurets concluded... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Demand for Illegal Private Guns Leads to Fears for Russia's Stability
Georgian Daily (New York)
15 January 2009
NEW YORK -- Frightened by the instability the current economic crisis is creating and by the possibility that the powers that be may lose control of the situation, Russians are choosing to arm themselves in unprecedented numbers, with more than one Russian in ten -- some 13 million people -- across the country now having a lethal weapon in their possession. Those figures, which are included in the "Small Arms Survey-2007" that was... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Russian Gun Maker Plans New Models of Kalashnikov Assault Rifles
Pravda (Russia)
2 January 2009
Anatoli Isaikin, the Director General of the state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, met recently with the creator of the Kalashnikov rifles, the head of the Izhmash Company, Mikhail Kalashnikov. The meeting's objective was to look into developing a new generation of AK-100 series rifles. The rifles in this series share a number of innovations that were introduced to the models AK-47, AK-74 and later. Like the AK-47, AK-100 models... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, Russia, United States
Global Gun Runner, 'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout Fronts Bangkok Court
Associated Press
23 December 2008
BANGKOK -- The alleged international arms smuggler Viktor Bout has taken the stand for the first time to fight his extradition to the US from Thailand, denying charges he conspired to arm Colombian rebels. The US is seeking the extradition of the Russian, 41, dubbed The Merchant of Death and purportedly the model for the arms dealer portrayed by Nicolas Cage in the 2005 film Lord of War. He was arrested in the Thai capital... ( gunpolicy.org )
Iraq, Bulgaria
Kurds in Northern Iraq Receive 3 Planeloads of Guns, Arms from Bulgaria
Washington Post Foreign Service
23 November 2008
BAGHDAD -- Kurdish officials this fall took delivery of three planeloads of small arms and ammunition imported from Bulgaria, three U.S. military officials said, an acquisition that occurred outside the weapons procurement procedures of Iraq's central government. The large quantity of weapons and the timing of the shipment alarmed U.S. officials, who have grown concerned about the prospect of an armed confrontation between Iraqi... ( gunpolicy.org )
Bulgaria, Russia, Iraq, Afghanistan
Bulgaria, 7 Other Nations Make 'Unlicensed, Illegal' AK-47s, Export to Iraq
FOCUS News Agency (Bulgaria) / Praim-TASS
20 November 2008
MOSCOW -- 7-8 countries in the world are currently dealing with unlicensed production of machine guns "Kalashnikov", Nikolay Dimidyuk from Rosoboronexport said, cited by Praim-TASS. According to his evaluation there was a total nuisance in the world regarding the production of 'false' Kalashnikov guns, in particular in Bulgaria. 'I will not mention other countries, so as not to offend them. The Americans allowed Bulgaria... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia, Bulgaria
Russia Stands Ready to Sell Kalashnikov Licence to 'Quality' Gun Makers
FOCUS News Agency (Bulgaria) / Vesti
20 November 2008
JAKARTA -- We are ready to sell a license for the production of Kalashnikov machine guns only after Rosoboronexport is convinced that the quality of the production would not discredit the brand', Nikolay Dimidyuk from Rosoboronexport said during his visit to Indonesia, Vesti reports. Earlier Dimidyuk said that Bulgaria was one of the countries, manufacturing Kalashnikov machine guns without a license. ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, Russia, United States, United Nations
Merchant of Death Who Armed The World: BBC 'Full Story' on Viktor Bout
BBC Two / This World
17 November 2008
Viktor Bout, the man accused by Western governments of being the world's biggest arms dealer, has been held in a Bangkok jail since March, with the threat of extradition to the US hanging over his head. After more than 15 years of allegedly running guns to African warlords and Islamic militants he was arrested in Thailand after an elaborate sting organised by US agents. A former member of the Russian military, Mr Bout has... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Russian Police Among Gun Runners Charged in 90-gun Moscow Bust
BBC Worldwide Monitoring / Ekho Moskvy radio (Moscow) / Gazprom, Transcript
20 October 2008
Last weekend the FSB [Federal Security Service] and the Russian Interior Ministry carried out a large-scale operation against criminal gangs that had been involved in illegal production and sale of firearms, a high-ranking source in Russian law enforcement agencies has told RIA Novosti. The source said that as a result of the operation, which was carried out in Moscow, Moscow Region and Smolensk Region, more than 90 units of firearms... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ukraine, Kenya, United Nations
Global Gun Trade Thrives: Recent Example 40,000 Kalashnikovs to Kenya
Time (World)
14 October 2008
PARIS -- Need to start a war? No problem. While stock markets gyrate and financial institutions (and even whole countries, like Iceland) teeter on bankruptcy, one global industry is still drawing plenty of high-end trades and profits: weapons. In a Paris courtroom last week, 42 officials went on trial for taking millions in kickbacks and organizing huge arms commissions from the Angolan government during the mid-1990s. In the dock... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Thailand, Russia
Thai Court Hears US Extradition Case of Russian Gun Runner Viktor Bout
Associated Press
10 October 2008
BANGKOK, Thailand -- The defense lawyer for a Russian man alleged to be one of the world's biggest arms dealers said Friday that his client would not receive a fair trial if extradited to the United States. The United States is seeking the extradition from Thailand of Viktor Bout, who has been indicted in the U.S. on four terrorism-related charges. He was arrested in Thailand on March 6. "My client is innocent. We are trying... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia
Russian Politicians Push Thailand to Release Bout, 'Merchant of Death'
BBC News
22 September 2008
A hearing has begun in a Bangkok court to determine if alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout should be extradited to the United States. Mr Bout was detained in a sting operation in Bangkok on 6 March, in which US agents posed as arms buyers. He has been indicted on four terrorism charges in the US and has been accused of supplying al-Qaeda. Dubbed "the Merchant of Death" by the media, Mr Bout denies any illegal... ( gunpolicy.org )
Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Russia
Wide Range of Guns, Weapons Readily Accessible to Taleban Fighters
BBC News
18 September 2008
AFGHANISTAN -- "We sometimes seize arms and ammunition," said a Taleban commander in south-eastern Afghanistan. "We're using whatever weapons are left over from Russian times and we buy from different sources -- Pakistan, Iran, Russia -- wherever we can get them." I met the Taleban commander, a veteran of 30 years of war, in a safe house -- one of the typical mud-built, fortress-like houses of the south-east where a six-metre (six-yard)... ( gunpolicy.org )
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Guatemala
Amnesty International Criticises Czech, Slovak Gun Exports to Guatemala
Prague Monitor / CTK
17 September 2008
LONDON/PRAGUE -- The Amnesty International (AI) criticises the Czech Republic and Slovakia for arms exports to Guatemala in its latest report that CTK received from an AI spokeswoman Tuesday. The report says the Czech Republic and Slovakia were among the biggest exporters of small handguns to Guatemala in 2004-2006 when over 15,000 were killed, mainly by firearms. According to AI, there are some 1.8 million firearms in... ( gunpolicy.org )
Turkey, Poland, Austria, Iraq, Bulgaria, Germany
Turkey Protests Polish, Austrian, US, Iraqi Supply of Guns to Kurdish PKK
Today's Zaman (Istanbul)
19 August 2008
ANKARA -- Polish-made fully automatic Glauberyt submachine guns that were apparently purchased during the reign of Saddam Hussein are now in the hands of the PKK terrorist organization. Turkey and Poland are currently in a row over these weapons. Iraq's chaotic environment following the 2003 US invasion has allowed weapons from around the world to make it into the hands of the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK). ... ( gunpolicy.org )
United Kingdom, Lithuania, Russia
UK Criminals Kill with Lithuanian Gas Guns Converted to Fire 9mm Bullets
Times (UK)
21 July 2008
James Andre Smartt-Ford, known as Dre, was standing by the steps to the ice at Streatham rink when a black-clad youth emerged from the crowd, gripping a gun. He fired two shots from close range into his victim's back. Dre fell forward dying, his blood spreading across the ice. The revolver that killed Dre had the words "Made in Russia" imprinted close to the muzzle, and was fitted with a silencer to muffle the shots. But nothing... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ukraine
Police Bust Crime Gang Stealing Ammunition from Troubled Ukrainian Depot
BBC Worldwide Monitoring / Kommersant-Ukraina (Kiev), Transcript
16 July 2008
The Ukrainian police have busted a criminal group which was stealing redundant arms and scrap metal from the troubled Novobohdanivka arms depot in Zaporizhzhya Region, a business daily has reported. The following is the text of the report by Yakiv Noskov entitled "Police's high class performance" published by the Ukrainian edition of the Russian business daily newspaper Kommersant on 15 July: It became known yesterday that on 11... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Thailand, Russia
Global Gun Runner Plays US-Russia 'Cold War' Card to Escape Prison
Sydney Morning Herald
16 June 2008
The Cold War has broken out again, and Thailand suddenly finds itself caught uncomfortably in the middle of competing US and Russian interests. At the centre of the conflict is the alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was arrested on March 6 in Thailand and is in detention in Bangkok. The US wants Bout extradited to stand trial in New York, where he has faces charges of conspiracy to provide weapons to a foreign terrorist... ( gunpolicy.org )
United Nations, United States, France, Canada, Germany, Angola, Thailand, Australia, Colombia, South Africa, Turkey, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, United Kingdom, India, China
Guns Around the World: Civilian Firearms per 100 People in 16 Nations
Economist
30 April 2008
An estimated 875m small arms are in circulation worldwide: one for every seven people on the planet. Nearly three-quarters of these are owned by civilians. And about 80% of those guns in civilian hands are found in just 30 countries, according to the Small Arms Survey, a research group. Although America accounts for 40% of firearms in civilian ownership, people put them to more deadly use elsewhere. The gun murder rate in Colombia... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia, United States
Russia Jails US Pastor for Smuggling, Boarding Planes With Ammunition
CNN / AP
21 April 2008
MOSCOW, Russia -- A Moscow court on Monday sentenced a U.S. pastor to more than three years in prison for smuggling hunting ammunition into Russia. Phillip Miles, from South Carolina, has been in custody since his arrest on Feb. 3. He was arrested several days after customs agents at a Moscow airport found a box of 20 rifle shells in his luggage. The court sentenced him to serve three years and two months in prison, with... ( gunpolicy.org )
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Former Soviet States Plan Database of Gun Runners, Illicit Arms Dealers
BBC Worldwide Monitoring / Interfax, Transcript
11 April 2008
A joint CIS database of transnational criminal groups involved in illegal arms trafficking will be created, the press service of the Minsk-based CIS Executive Committee has told Interfax. "This is stipulated by a draft agreement on cooperation in combating the illegal manufacturing and sale of firearms, ammunition, explosives and explosive devices, which has been discussed by the committee's expert group," the press service said.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Slovakia, United States, Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary
Slovakia Sold Ammunition to Miami Gun Dealer, Pentagon for Afghan War
BBC Worldwide Monitoring / SME (Bratislava), Transcript
8 April 2008
Slovakia has traded in arms with the AEY company, which is being investigated over fraud in the United States. The daily New York Times found out that the company had been selling old Chinese ammunition from Albania to the Afghanis for decades, claiming that it was from Hungary. It purchased other weapons and munitions for the Afghanis in Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It is not clear what exactly happened... ( gunpolicy.org )
Russia
Russian Priests Told to Carry Guns, Fight Armed Thieves of Religious Icons
Herald Sun (Melbourne)
19 March 2008
MOSCOW -- Police in a central Russian region have advised priests to apply for firearms licences so they can defend their churches from marauding thieves who have been stealing religious icons at gunpoint. But a cleric with the Russian Orthodox diocese of Kostroma said the guns would probably be wielded by church wardens because the biblical commandment "Thou shalt not kill" prohibited priests from bearing arms. Police... ( gunpolicy.org )
Bulgaria
Shooting by Licensed Owner Prompts Bulgaria to Vow Tough New Gun Law
Xinhua
16 March 2008
SOFIA -- Changes in the law that regulates issuing permits for possession of firearms are urgently required, local press reported Saturday citing Bulgaria's Interior Minister Rumen Petkov. According to the minister, stricter rules are required, because 90 percent of the appeals against the Interior Ministry over rejections for arms permits are accepted by the court while permits are then issued. Petkov declared that in... ( gunpolicy.org )
South Africa, Thailand, Russia, United States, Africa, United Nations
'Merchant of Death' Gun Runner's' Secret Connections in Southern Africa
Cape Argus (Cape Town)
9 March 2008
An arrest at a luxury Thailand hotel has sent shockwaves rippling through various governmental, aviation and murky arms-trade, diamond-dealing and money-laundering circles from Johannesburg and Polokwane through to Kabul, Kinshasa, Ostend and Washington. Former Johannesburg resident Viktor Bout, the man dubbed the Merchant of Death and said to have inspired the blockbuster movie The Lord of War, was arrested on Thursday in a sting... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia, United Nations
Coalition of Forces, US Sting Toppled Global Gun Runner Bout in Thailand
Globe & Mail (Toronto)
7 March 2008
The elusive global gunrunner dubbed the Merchant of Death has finally been captured. Viktor Bout, originally from Russia, was arrested yesterday at a five-star hotel in Bangkok. Thought to be a former Russian spy, something he denies, he is said to speak six languages and hold as many passports. He has long been known to global intelligence services for dispatching transport aircraft brimming with weaponry to anyone willing to pay,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Thailand, United States, Russia, United Nations
Russian Arms Dealer's Arrest Reflects Global Web of Gun Runners
Agence France Presse
7 March 2008
MOSCOW -- From factories in a breakaway zone of Moldova to underwater test sites in Kyrgyzstan, the ex-Soviet Union has provided rich pickings for arms dealers like the legendary Viktor Bout. Bout, who was arrested March 6 in a joint U.S.-Thai operation in Bangkok, is alleged to have been at the heart of a new kind of weapons trading that emerged from the ashes of the Cold War in 1991. Various reports have linked Bout to... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Russia, Thailand, Colombia, United Nations
US Charges Notorious Russian Arms Dealer With Gun Running to Colombia
New York Times
7 March 2008
WASHINGTON -- A Russian businessman regarded by the United States as one of the world's most notorious arms dealers was arrested in Thailand on Thursday as part of an American-led sting operation. He was promptly charged in the United States with conspiracy for trying to smuggle missiles and rocket launchers to rebels in Colombia. The businessman, Viktor Bout, 41, is suspected of supplying weapons to the Taliban and Al Qaeda and... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Russia, Thailand, Colombia, United Nations
'Most-wanted' Global Gun Runner Arrested in Thailand: US Wants Viktor Bout
CNN
6 March 2008
NEW YORK -- For years, Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout made millions of dollars delivering weapons and ammunition to warlords and militants, officials say. On Thursday, Bout and his associate, Andrew Smulian, were arrested in Thailand after a series of events that officials said could have come straight out of a spy novel. The men's capture involved law enforcement agencies from at least five countries, including two undercover... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Russia, Thailand, Colombia, United Nations
Russian Gun Runner Dubbed 'Merchant of Death' Arrested in Bangkok Sting
Associated Press
6 March 2008
BANGKOK, Thailand -- A suspected Russian arms dealer dubbed the "Merchant of Death" was arrested Thursday in Bangkok on allegations that he conspired to supply Colombian rebels with arms and explosives, Thai police said. Police Lt. Gen. Pongpat Chayapan said Viktor Bout was arrested in a hotel on a warrant from a Thai court following a monthlong manhunt. The warrant came out of an earlier one issued by the U.S. Drug Enforcement... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Russia, Thailand, Colombia, United Nations
Thais Arrest 'Merchant of Death' Russian Gun Runner, US Feds Lay Charges
Reuters
6 March 2008
BANGKOK/NEW YORK -- Viktor Bout, an international arms dealer dubbed the "Merchant of Death," was arrested in Thailand and charged in New York on Thursday with trying to sell weapons to Colombian rebels, officials said. Bout, the target of U.S. sanctions, was charged with conspiring to sell millions of dollars worth of weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia said in New York.... ( gunpolicy.org )
India, Russia
Kalashnikov Faces Tough Fight Rebuilding Gun Sales in India, World
Telegraph (Calcutta)
22 February 2008
NEW DELHI -- Mikhail Timofeyevich's terrible legacy spawned a culture that changed the face of war forever. But now the Avtomat Kalashnikov assault rifle that bears his surname is struggling to recreate a culture in which everything Russian was the preferred choice for the Indian armed forces. The makers of the Kalash, arguably the best-known name in small arms, were tucked away in a five-foot-by-five-foot prefab stall... ( gunpolicy.org )
India, Russia
Kalashnikov Assault Rifles May Be Made in India, Under Licence to Russia
Daily News & Analysis (Mumbai)
19 February 2008
NEW DELHI -- The legendary Assault rifle Kalashnikov (AK) is set to make a 'legal' entry into India. The Russian firm making the AK rifles, Izhmash, is in advanced talks with a reputed Indian industry group to start manufacture in India of the latest AK-100 series. This is the lighter, though deadlier version of the assault rifle born a few months after World War II ended. "We are carrying on negotiations with one major... ( gunpolicy.org )
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