Crackdown on Counterfeit Firearms

French and Swiss authorities, with support from Europol, have successfully dismantled a major criminal network responsible for trafficking counterfeit and converted firearms from Türkiye into the European Union. The operation, which spanned from June 8 to June 11, 2026, led to the arrest of ten individuals and the raiding of seven luxury properties across southern France.

The investigation, spearheaded by the French National Gendarmerie and the Swiss Federal Police, targeted a network involved in arms trafficking and money laundering. Initial leads were followed up after the seizure of two counterfeit pistols in June 2025, which were concealed in a luxury vehicle traveling from Switzerland to France. This discovery unveiled a well-organized syndicate predominantly comprising Turkish nationals and orchestrated by a Turkish-German leader.

Over EUR 1.2 million in criminal assets were seized during the operation, including an assortment of counterfeit and converted firearms, luxury vehicles, high-end watches, jewelry, designer clothing, substantial cash reserves, fake documents, narcotics, and electronic devices. The seizures highlight the sophisticated nature of the counterfeit firearms trade, which now boasts weapons manufactured with industrial precision, mirroring genuine firearms in look, durability, and functionality.

Europol played a crucial role in the operation by facilitating information exchange and operational coordination between the involved countries. Additionally, Europol deployed three experts to France during the action days to assist in real-time operational coordination and analysis. The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) was also instrumental in addressing the severe implications of international organized crime within the EU.

This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by European authorities to combat the rising threat posed by counterfeit firearms, which are increasingly preferred by criminal networks due to their accessibility and reliability, bypassing traditional arms procurement channels.