Security service detains 150 illegal arms dealers across Russia

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), in cooperation with the Interior Ministry and the National Guard (Rosgvardiya), has detained 150 individuals involved in illegal arms trafficking during coordinated operations across 41 regions of the country.

The suspects are accused of restoring the combat capabilities of civilian weapons and subsequently selling them on the illegal market, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media. 

Operational activities were carried out between February and March. Authorities seized 364 firearms of Russian and foreign manufacture, including four machine guns, seven grenade launchers, 49 assault rifles, 140 pistols and revolvers, and 164 rifles, carbines and shotguns. In addition, 185 grenades, more than 36 kg of explosive materials (including TNT and gunpowder), and over 31,000 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.

Security services also shut down 41 clandestine workshops involved in weapon modification and ammunition production across 41 regions, including the Moscow region.

By Vugar Khalilov