2023-11-23 17:26:00
Last week, an individual stopped near the Gare du Midi uttered death threats against police officers when they stopped him. Once taken to the police station, the individual repeated his threats and intended to carry out an attack as soon as he was released. During a search of his home, the police discovered a weapon, ammunition and a 3D printer. The suspect was charged with threatening police officers and released on conditions. The investigation continues.
A weapon of war and ammunition found in the home of an individual who had threatened the police
Apart from this conditional release which may raise questions when we know the suspect’s intentions, the fact that he has a 3D printer is also of concern. More and more people with bad intentions are equipping themselves with such equipment to make their own firearms. The phenomenon has been observed for three years now throughout Europe.
“Technology is developing very quickly. It is becoming easier and cheaper to print weapons that are reliable and safe for the user,” explains Nils Duquet, director of the Flemish Peace Institute. There are blueprints (i.e. reproductions of a detailed plan, Editor’s note), which circulate on the Internet and which facilitate the production of these weapons. They are no longer just pistols but also automatic rifles.”
Initially, weapons were printed in plastic, which posed a danger to the user, but now weapons are made of metal and are therefore much more reliable. “Two years ago, the Dutch police dismantled a clandestine laboratory in which nine printers worked who manufactured spare parts for firearms. Criminals therefore see these 3D printers as lucrative opportunities to develop their business,” continues Nils Duquet.
“Traditional access to firearms is limited for petty criminals, but 3D printers are changing that.”
This phenomenon has a perverse effect since these weapons can be easily reproduced by petty criminals. “Traditional access to firearms is limited for petty criminals, but 3D printers are changing that. This therefore risks accelerating demand for the trafficking and production of this type of weapon. A vicious circle then begins.”
The fight against firearms is not a priority for the police
Fighting against this phenomenon is very difficult given that this manufacturing falls within the private sphere. “It is appropriate to legislate requiring printers to provide marking on printed parts because currently, 3D printers are impossible to trace,” he continues. “We must also increase the operational capabilities of police officers to combat this phenomenon and scrutinize what is happening on the darknet to uncover blueprints, and invest time in these activities. But this is currently not a priority for the police.”
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