Neighbours of Conflict: Arms Trafficking in Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Greece

By Michael W. Brown, Global Director of Counter-Narcotics Technology, Rigaku Analytical Devices

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has raised alarm bells regarding the flow of illegal arms into Europe, reminiscent of the arms trafficking patterns seen during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. The report “Neighbours of Conflict: Arms Trafficking in Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Greece” by Aleksandar Srbinovski and Trpe Stojanovski, published by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, delves into this pressing issue, examining the intricate dynamics of illicit arms markets in these three nations. It underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of arms trafficking across borders, influenced by historical, cultural, and political contexts.

The Landscape of Illegal Arms Trafficking
The report reveals a stark reality: millions of unregistered firearms are circulating in civilian hands, particularly in Ukraine, raising significant concerns over potential misuse by organized criminal networks across Europe. However, the authors caution against a myopic focus solely on the Ukrainian conflict. The illicit firearms market is diverse, characterized by various sources, routes, and types of weaponry, ranging from Soviet-era stockpiles to modern 3D-printed guns.

Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Greece serve as critical gateways for the trafficking of illicit weapons into the European Union. Each country presents a unique ecosystem shaped by local cultures, political landscapes, and historical experiences, creating a complex web of arms trafficking that requires nuanced analysis and targeted responses.

Key Findings

1. Prevalence of Illegal Arms: The report highlights alarming statistics regarding illegal firearms ownership in these countries. In Türkiye, an estimated 36 million unlicensed firearms are prevalent, accounting for approximately 90% of the total weapons in circulation. Greece has around 800,000 to 1,000,000 illegal firearms, while Bulgaria reports about 244,267, representing 41% of its total firearm ownership. This significant presence of illegal arms poses serious risks to internal security and public safety.
2. A Transnational Marketplace: Türkiye has emerged as a major source of firearms, particularly gas guns that can be easily converted into lethal weapons. The report emphasizes the interconnectedness of arms trafficking networks, where Bulgaria acts as a vital transit point for these weapons heading into Europe. The geographic proximity of these countries to conflict zones only exacerbates the challenges of controlling arms flows.
3. Cultural and Historical Context: The relationship of each country with firearms is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and historical experiences. Türkiye’s gun culture, for instance, traces back to the Ottoman Empire, where carrying weapons was commonplace. In contrast, Greece’s gun ownership is often associated with national resistance movements. These cultural nuances influence the prevalence and acceptance of firearms in society, complicating efforts to address illegal ownership and trafficking.
4. Organized Crime Dynamics: Organized crime plays a pivotal role in arms trafficking across these nations. The report outlines the involvement of various criminal networks that engage in arms trafficking alongside other illicit activities, such as drug smuggling and human trafficking. Notably, Bulgaria and Greece lack dedicated national strategies to address arms trafficking, which hampers effective law enforcement and prevention efforts.
5. Responses and Recommendations: The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat arms trafficking. Recommendations include the development of national action plans aligned with international frameworks, enhanced regional cooperation through joint law enforcement initiatives, and targeted campaigns to shift cultural attitudes towards firearms ownership. By addressing the root causes and collaborating across borders, these countries can better tackle the challenges posed by illicit arms markets.

Detailed Analysis of Each Country
Türkiye: A Critical Hub for Arms Trafficking Türkiye stands out as a key transit and source country for arms trafficking due to its geographical location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The report indicates that approximately 90% of firearms in Türkiye are unlicensed, with a flourishing domestic market for handmade weapons and gas guns. These firearms are not only used for personal protection but are also integral to organized crime, where they are employed in extortion and racketeering. The emergence of 3D-printed firearms adds a new dimension to the illicit arms market, raising concerns about the evolving landscape of weapon manufacturing and distribution.

Greece: A Transit Country with Rising Gun Culture Greece primarily functions as a transit country for illegal weapons, facilitating the flow of arms from the Middle East and the Balkans into Europe. The report notes that various organized crime groups, including Albanian and Russian mafias, are active in this space. Greece’s gun culture is multifaceted, with historical ties to resistance movements contributing to a significant level of illegal gun ownership, particularly in urban areas. The increasing prevalence of 3D-printed firearms among young people poses additional challenges for law enforcement, necessitating a re-evaluation of strategies to address these emerging threats.

Bulgaria: A Unique Case with Lower Arms Trafficking In contrast to its neighbours, Bulgaria exhibits a lower prevalence of illegal firearms ownership, attributed to its historical context under Communist rule, which fostered a culture of avoidance regarding weapons. Organized crime in Bulgaria has traditionally focused on less violent activities, such as counterfeiting. However, the report highlights Bulgaria’s role as a transit zone for gas guns destined for Western Europe, where they can be converted into lethal firearms. The lack of a dedicated national strategy for addressing arms trafficking presents a gap that must be filled to mitigate potential risks.

Conclusion
The report “Neighbours of Conflict: Arms Trafficking in Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Greece” provides critical insights into the complex dynamics of arms trafficking across these nations. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of local cultures, historical contexts, and organized crime influences to devise effective strategies for combating illegal arms flows. By fostering regional cooperation and developing targeted national action plans, these countries can address the multifaceted challenges posed by illicit arms trafficking and enhance security both domestically and across Europe. The interplay of conflict, culture, and crime continues to shape the arms trade, necessitating vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard public safety and security in the region.

To read the full report go to:
www.globalinitiative.net/analysis/neighbours-of-conflict-arms-trafficking-in-turkiye-bulgaria-and-greece/