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The Growing Concerns of Arms Trafficking and Bribery in The Netherlands
Introduction
The Netherlands, with its strategic geographic location and international trade hub status, has become a focal point for various forms of organized crime. Two significant concerns that have gained attention are arms trafficking and bribery.
Arms Trafficking
What is Arms Trafficking?
Arms trafficking involves the import, export, acquisition, sale, delivery, movement, or transfer of arms, their parts and components, and ammunition across national borders. This also includes the intentional diversion of firearms from legal to illegal commerce.
Characteristics in The Netherlands
- International trade hub
- Membership in the European Union
- Strategic geographic location with many transport hubs
Modus Operandi
Arms often originate from Germany, Belgium, and Balkan countries, traded via parcel packages and road transport, stored in storage boxes, and trafficked by criminal networks and small groups of arms dealers.
Extent of the Threat
Estimated 230,000 illegal firearms circulated in The Netherlands in 2017, with 4,252 cases of illicit possession and trade in firearms registered that year. By 2021, this number increased to over 6,500 cases.
Bribery
What is Bribery?
Bribery involves the offering, giving, receiving, or solicitation of something of value to influence the actions or decisions of individuals in positions of authority.
Characteristics in The Netherlands
Not specified.
Modus Operandi
Not specified.
Extent of the Threat in The Netherlands
Not specified.