Rio de Janeiro’s civil police carried out an operation this Thursday morning to dismantle a scheme for the illegal production and sale of firearms, ammunition and military accessories. The investigation will take place in Rio de Janeiro and Paraná, with 17 search and seizure warrants executed at addresses associated with the gang.
The investigation, carried out by Des Armes (Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives Police Department), began after analyzing information contained in electronic equipment seized in the preliminary stages of the operation and submitted to digital forensics.
Investigators discovered conversations, videos and other records of illegal transactions, revealing the existence of a structured network for the manufacture and sale of weapons for both authorized and restricted use.
According to the investigation, investigators identified direct relationships with manufacturers, intermediaries, and purchasers responsible for the production and sale of handmade pistols, rifles, machine guns, and hand-assembled ammunition.
“Intercepted messages and financial records indicate returns reaching 150%, instructions to conceal the content and identity of the sender, and the use of private carriers to secretly send the weapons,” the state government said.
The team discovered factories, storage areas, spare parts, inputs and equipment used for reloading ammunition. Some illegally manufactured or purchased weapons were distributed without legal control or registration.
About The Author
