OPERATIONAL AND INVESTIGATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING OF FIREARMS

Abstract

The article examines the operational and investigative characteristics of the illicit trafficking of firearms as an integral and dynamic process comprising a set of interrelated stages of criminal activity. The relevance of the topic is обусловлена contemporary security challenges associated with the proliferation of weapons under martial law and the intensification of criminal networks. In contrast to traditional approaches, the study substantiates the necessity of analyzing illicit arms trafficking as a complex phenomenon oriented toward the practical needs of operational and investigative activities. It is demonstrated that the illicit trafficking of firearms does not constitute a single offense, but rather a set of interrelated acts that may be classified under various provisions of criminal law. This makes it possible to consider it as a process with multiple stages, each characterized by its own features, methods of commission, and range of actors. The integrative nature of the operational and investigative characteristic is explained by the combination of criminal law, forensic, and criminological approaches. The purpose of the study is to determine the structure and content of the operational and investigative characteristics of illicit arms trafficking. Its principal elements include: the object of illicit trafficking, operationally significant behavior, and the persons who are carriers of such behavior. The object is defined as firearms and ammunition, which serve as the unifying factor across all stages of illicit activity. The central element is operationally significant behavior, encompassing the actions of actors at all stages of trafficking. The following stages are identified: acquisition of weapons, their infiltration into illicit circulation, distribution or procurement, manufacture or repair, possession, transportation, and disposal. It is emphasized that these stages are not strictly sequential and may be combined depending on the conditions and capabilities of offenders. The study characterizes the main sources of weapons supply, methods of concealment, channels of distribution – including the use of the Internet and intermediaries – as well as modern technologies of manufacturing and modification. It is highlighted that the complexity of weapon identification is обусловлена the combination of legal and illegal channels of circulation. Considerable attention is paid to the persons who are carriers of operationally significant behavior, classified depending on the stages of illicit trafficking. It is established that such persons may perform various roles – from the initial acquisition of weapons to their transportation, distribution, or legalization – demonstrating the flexibility of criminal schemes. The impact of martial law on the scale of illicit arms trafficking is emphasized, particularly in connection with increased accessibility of weapons and deficiencies in control mechanisms. It is concluded that the proposed characteristic is comprehensive in nature and may be used to enhance the effectiveness of operational and investigative activities in countering illicit arms trafficking.