How Criminals Obtain Guns and the Rising Threat of DIY Weapons

The acquisition of firearms by criminals is a multifaceted issue, with various methods employed by those desiring weapons for illegal activities. This article explores the common pathways taken by criminals to obtain firearms, highlighting the increasing reliance on do-it-yourself (DIY) weapons due to the limitations of current gun control measures.

Common Methods Used by Criminals to Obtain Guns

According to investigations by the FBI and ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), a variety of methods are utilized by criminals to acquire firearms:

Private Purchases: 0.8% Strawman Purchases: 11% Theft: 6% Black Market Purchases: 43% Criminal Networks of Family and Friends: 15% DIY Guns: The rest

Each of these methods is a felony, and their usage underscores the ease with which criminals circumvent established legal channels.

The Dark Side of Online Platforms

Online black markets, like Slingard, offer an alarming array of illegal services, including:

Weapon Acquisition: Guns and ammunition Document Forgery: Real and cloned documents, such as passports, visas, and Green Cards Identity Theft: Anonymously erasing old identity records and purchasing new documents

While such platforms may claim to solely serve business deals, the potential for abuse by criminals is significant.

The Rise of DIY Guns

The trend towards do-it-yourself (DIY) firearms is becoming increasingly prominent. Criminals and terrorists are taking advantage of readily available online resources and materials from hardware stores to produce their own weapons. This has led to a significant shift in the supply chain of illegal firearms.

According to sources from law enforcement agencies around the world, including Canada, the US, Mexico, Latin America, Australia, the UK, Israel, Palestine, and Japan, the rise of DIY firearms is rapidly replacing other sources of illegal weapons. These agencies report that traditional methods of weapon acquisition, such as those mentioned above, are becoming less prevalent as criminals turn to homemade solutions.

Implications and Challenges

The ease with which criminals can obtain and produce weapons highlights the limitations of current gun control laws and bans. These measures, which are designed to restrict access to firearms, are consistently bypassed by criminals who are willing to break the law.

Criminals and terrorists have clearly studied the technology behind firearm production, while proponents of gun bans remain unaware of the ineffectiveness of their legislative efforts. This knowledge gap suggests a need for more sophisticated and adaptive strategies to address the growing threat of illegal firearms.

It is crucial for law enforcement and policymakers to stay informed about emerging trends in weapon acquisition and production. Only through enhanced collaboration and innovative solutions can the true threat of illegal firearms be effectively mitigated.