One told the programme “I feel much safer online than doing transactions in the real world. I used to sell drugs in the real world. Nowadays I almost strictly use the dark web for any drug transaction.” Research also indicates that gun thefts and bulk gun purchases are important pathways through which guns are trafficked. For more information about these issues see our pages on Reporting Lost and Stolen Firearms and Bulk Gun Purchases. Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, we inspire the courage of people from all walks of life to make America safer.
The United States and Ukrainian governments have attempted strict oversight of their weapons — to mixed results — but any arms trafficking happening in Ukraine appears, as of this writing, to be contained to isolated incidents by criminals. It is not clear whether specific reports about Ukraine selling weapons to Mexican drug cartels, Hamas, a militant group in Gaza at war with Israel, or Syrian rebels started as Russian disinformation. “There is a demand for these guns, these firearms, and there’s definitely going to be a market,” he says, and the potential for profit will continue to fuel straw buying and smuggling without deterrents. Information compiled recently by data aggregation platform Echosec showed how illegal weapons are available for purchase on the dark web, an encrypted part of the internet where the black market flourishes.
It examined more than 9,700 closed ATF firearm trafficking investigations that began between 2017 and 2021. Firearms trafficking is when guns are purposely moved into the illegal market for a criminal purpose or possession. The report ordered by Attorney General Merrick Garland is the first in-depth analysis of firearm trafficking investigations in more than 20 years. Guns purchased from unlicensed sellers are also an important source of guns diverted to the illegal market. Closing this loophole and requiring background checks on all gun sales can significantly reduce the number of guns that enter into the illegal market. One federal law enforcement agent, who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly, told VICE News that cartels typically smuggle weapons into Mexico with the same routes and methods used to transport the cash proceeds from illicit drug sales.
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However, using DarkOwl Vision to explore these relationships offers a snapshot into both the physical and digital realms of illicit goods and exploitation that often accompany each other. Looking at arms, drugs, and human trafficking online ties into the very real-world implications of these practices. While there is a long history of connections between drugs and weapons, DarkOwl analysts were curious if a similar relationship could be observed between weapons and human trafficking, and drugs and human trafficking. By performing a keyword and language correlation analysis across drugs, weapons, and human trafficking related advertisements in DarkOwl Vision, our analysts discovered at least 7 unique vendors who are involved in human trafficking are also involved in drug trafficking activities. The flow of weapons from the United States to organized crime groups (as the indictment above indicates) such as CJNG can then be leveraged by criminal groups to trade for drugs in Colombia, which will travel to Mexico and the United States. Thus, weapons from the United States typically end up in Mexico and Colombia and Colombian drugs find their way back to the United States.
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Some of the darker illicit goods and services able to flourish on the darknet due to its anonymity and privacy-centric nature include pornography, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), human trafficking, and the exploitation of humans both online and in the physical world. Criminals and traffickers have increasingly turned to the online cybersphere to exploit victims. Social media platforms can be used to identify possible victims, target them, recruit them, and then to advertise their exploitation services. The internet and darknet can be used to broadcast live acts of exploitation for distribution to a wider audience. While distributing CSAM material is not human trafficking, the production of CSAM is usually the result of trafficking children for exploitation. It is common for darknet vendors to talk about their delivery and stealth methods to reassure customers that their purchases will be delivered as advertised and not seized by the authorities.
How The ‘Craigslist Of Guns’ Helps Arm Cartels In Mexico
These included small arms, such as, pistols, assault rifles, grenades, Claymores, knives, machetes, etc. Larger weapons such as missiles, light machine guns, mortars, anti-tank missiles, tanks, and planes were also used. Leader of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia, Charles Taylor, helped to create the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone.
Federal Report Finds 68,000 Guns Were Illegally Trafficked Through Unlicensed Dealers Over 5 Years
- For example, many times listings for human trafficking victims on the darknet will be advertised as “escort services,” “child escort services,” “rentals,” “kid rentals,” and more.
- The disparity between gun laws in the two countries has contributed to American weapons falling into the hands of the world’s most violent criminal groups.
- The spa mass shooting case went to Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, which ruled that Armslist was protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the same law that grants websites like Facebook, Google, and Twitter immunity from liability for content or comments posted by users.
- Black Market Guns is your trusted source for firearms for sale, self-defense weapons, military weapons, and a reliable gun store.
According to a recent government report, an estimated 200,000 firearms are smuggled into Mexico each year. DALLAS (CBSNewsTexas.com) — Guns purchased in Texas are ending up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels at an alarming volume. Still, the initiative’s report warned that “as with the war itself, the governing conditions of illegal weapons may quickly change,” and “the lack of current activity does not imply an absence of risk” (pages 29 and 7). The U.S. Department of Defense and Ukraine also work together to track American arms sent to Ukraine and where they end up. Detailed investigations and oversight reports on Ukraine-related spending can be found on the U.S. government’s Ukraine Oversight webpage.
As a premier establishment located in Dark Web, Black Market Guns operates as a reliable gun store amidst the demand for dark web transactions. Trust us to deliver a secure, efficient, and anonymous service for all your firearms needs. Since our foundation in 2018, Black Market Guns has been a trusted name in the retail of firearms and tactical equipment. We provide a hassle-free way to buy guns online without the necessity of FFL, permits, or licenses, setting ourselves apart in the industry.
ATF: 68,000 Guns Were Illegally Trafficked Through Unlicensed Dealers Over 5 Years
A recent search for keywords including gun, Canada, Ontario and Toronto got 25 hits. All the firearms, from a specialized pistol to assault-style rifles, were apparently available for purchase and could be couriered to someone’s home. At Black Market Guns, we understand the challenges faced by individuals in countries with strict gun regulations.
With a low-tech aesthetic similar to Craigslist’s and a simple user interface, Armslist quickly grew to become one of the most popular sites for gun sellers and buyers. There are glossier competitors, like the site Gunbroker, and local riffs such as Texas Gun Trader, but Armslist is the most ubiquitous and controversial. “When I heard them say that they decided to ban all gun-related ads because a few users cried out for it, it inspired me to create a place for law-abiding gun owners to buy and sell online without all of the hassles of auctions and shipping,” Gibbon said. A good chunk of the trades were destined for Europe, while the United States appears to be the main source where guns are sold from, according to the study. Torzon Market has established itself as a significant player in the darknet ecosystem, offering a secure, user-centric platform for anonymous trading. Its commitment to privacy, diverse product offerings, and robust security measures make it a preferred choice for users seeking discreet transactions within the darknet.
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Logistically, however, it would be much easier for Mexican cartels to procure illicit weapons directly from the United States or neighboring Latin American countries, rather than shipping them from Ukraine. “They tend never to buy accessories. You know, most sports shooters will need accessories to go with their firearms, whether it be holsters, ammunition, stuff like that.” Green and Winchester were only caught after the guns they purchased and resold were found at crime scenes and identified. Straw purchasing cases have also recently occurred in Alberta and B.C., with officers telling CBC News it is a growing concern for them as well. They are hidden in gas tanks, the trunks of cars, in luggage, or on someone’s body. In one remarkable instance involving Montrealer Alexis Vlachos, firearms were smuggled through a public library that straddles the border with the U.S.
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It is imperative that we collectively unite to combat such platforms, employing robust measures to counter the illicit arms trade and safeguard the well-being of individuals and nations alike. In conclusion, Black Market Guns represents a dangerous online storefront that promotes the illegal trade of firearms, posing a significant threat to public safety and global security. By condoning and facilitating unregulated arms transactions, this platform enables criminals to access weapons with ease, perpetuating violence and instability. Efforts must be undertaken to dismantle such illicit platforms, reinforcing legal frameworks and international cooperation to counter the proliferation of illegal firearms. The role of Armslist and other similar online marketplaces as a source of weapons that end up in the hands of criminals on both sides of the border is growing, law enforcement sources told VICE News.
Last year, The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) was granted an extra $51.5 million in funding over five years to enhance screening, detection and training around firearms smuggling. The RCMP were also given $34.5 million over five years for the new Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative to enhance intelligence gathering, technology and investigations. Apart from the dark web markets that are operating online today, some raided platforms influenced many markets.
Giffords seeks to arm activists, legislators, and the general public with the facts about our country’s gun violence epidemic and the most effective ways to address it. Pond pleaded guilty to the same charge as Villarreal and was sentenced last week to 48 months of probation. Pond agreed to surrender 114 pistols, rifles, and shotguns to federal authorities as part of his plea agreement. “You get people working for the cartel, or people working for a trafficking group, they’re looking for guns they want, they will travel throughout states just to get ’em,” the agent said.
