ARMS

TRAFFICKING
WHAT NO ONES KNOWS...
INDEX
Introduction
Chapter 5: Consecuences
Chapter 1: What is?
Chapter 6: Organized criminals groups
Chapter 2: History
Chapter 7: Arms trafficking in the
Chapter 3: The journey of arms internacional economy

Chapter 4: Causes Chapter 8: México and arms trafficking

 INTRODUCTION
Arms trafficking is a very controversial issue as it is a global problem that
affects all regions of the world. It refers to the illicit trade of firearms,
ammunition and explosives, which is not authorized or regulated by
States. This illicit trade fuels violence, organized crime, and instability
around the world. Firearms entering illicit markets are used in a wide
range of crimes, including homicide, robbery, assault, kidnapping, and
terrorism.
CHAPTER :1
WHAT IS ?
 WHAT IS A FIREARM?
Is a mechanical device that propels a projectile at high speed
through a tube as a result of the expansion of gases produced
by burning fuel.
DEFINITION
According to UNODC, arms
trafficking is the illegal trade
in firearms, ammunition and
explosives. It is one of the
most widespread and
lucrative illegal trades and
at the same time most
combated by the United
Nations.
FIREARMS
The classification of firearms has evolved
over the years alongside technological
advancements provided to firearms, aimed at
enhancing combat effectiveness.

CLASSIFICATION
 REPEATING These are named as such because for each firing cycle, they need
to be loaded and fired using the firearm's own mechanisms. This
means that the extraction of the cartridge, reloading, chambering,

FIREARMS
and preparing the firearm for the next shot must be done by the
user manually.

The most prominent examples

are: rifles, carbines, and
shotguns
 In this type, the firearm needs to be loaded and charged, and the

SEMI-AUTOMATIC trigger needs to be pulled for each firing cycle. The extraction and
ejection of the spent cartridge case are achieved by the pressure

FIREARMS
of the gases produced by the combustion of gunpowder inside the
firearm.

Walther P22 Junior GLOCK 17

 This system has a unique mechanism and is colloquially known by a
different name. Some authors refer to it as a "burst" system. In this system,

AUTOMATIC
the firearm only needs to be loaded and charged, and the bolt or slide block
needs to be cycled once, similar to the semiautomatic system. However, the
difference lies in that it only requires the user to pull the trigger once and
hold it down for the firearm to continuously fire all its cartridges. The firing

FIREARMS cycle will only stop if the user releases the trigger or if the cartridges in the
magazine are depleted.

The most common are silencers, machine

guns, and AK-47s
WHICH ONES ARE LEGAL AND
ILLEGAL TO USE?
LEGAL
FIREARMS:
Pistols
Revolvers
Shotguns
Rifles
Single-Action Firearms
Dual Action Firearms
Semi-automatic firearms
Bolt-action firearms
Lever-action firearms
Break-action firearms
ILLEGAL
FIREARMS:
Machine guns
Submachine guns
Assault Rifles
Bazookas
Grenade
C4 explosives
Silenced Firearms
Short barreled Firearms
Homemade Firearms
COUNTRIES THAT LEGALLY
IMPORT AND EXPORT
FIREARMS
CONTRIES THAT According to the SIPRI, the
world's top five arms exporters

EXPORT ARMS: between 2018 and 2022 were:

1. United States: 38.9%

2. Russia: 18.6%
3. France: 10.7%
4. China: 4.6%
5. Germany: 4.5%
COUNTRIES THAT The world's top five arms
importers between 2018 and

IMPORT FIREARMS: 2022 were:

1. India: 12%
2. Saudi Arabia: 11%
3. Egypt: 5.7%
4. Australia: 5.4%
5. China: 4.8%
COUNTRIES THAT ILLEGALLY
IMPORT AND EXPORT
FIREARMS
COUNTRIES THAT Below is the ranking of
countries with high activity in
EXPORT FIREARMS: the illicit export of firearms:

1. United States
2. Russia
3. China
4. Ukraine
COUNTRIES THAT
IMPORT FIREARMS: 1. Myanmar
2. Haiti
The reason for these countries
3. Somalia
is because they have weak
4. Libya
border controls; the lack of
5. South Sudan
effective border controls
facilitates the illegal entry of
firearms into a territory.
COUNTRIES THAT
1. Mexico
IMPORT ARMS: 2. Brazil
3. Colombia
The reason for these countries 4. Guatemala
is because they have high levels
of poverty and inequality;
poverty and social inequality
can create a breeding ground
for organized crime and the
illicit trafficking of firearms.
CHAPTER: 2
HISTORY
EVOLUTION OF ARMS TRAFFICKING ON A GLOBAL SCALE.
The first indications of the use of firearms
date back to 13th-century China

Beginning in the 14th century, firearms

technology spread around the world along the
Silk Road reaching Europe and the Middle East

Beginning in the 17th century, firearms

technology continued to evolve rapidly, with the
invention of the flintlock rifle, breech-loading rifle,
and machine gun
Recent trends:
Increase in international arms trade: According to the Stockholm International Peace
Research Institute (SIPRI), international trade in conventional arms between 2017 and
2021 reached its highest level since the 1990s.

• Diversification of actors involved: In addition to states and traditional companies, non-

state actors such as terrorists and criminal organizations have become significant players
in arms trafficking.

• Utilization of new technologies: The internet and social networks facilitate

communication and coordination among arms traffickers, as well as the online sale of
firearms.

• Exploitation of state weakness: Countries with weak institutions or in conflict situations

are more likely to be used as trafficking routes or points of storage for illegal firearms.
 Most trafficked firearms in the global black market.

Pistols and Revolvers: Sniper Rifles: Submachine Guns:

Assault Rifles: Light Machine Guns:

CHAPTER :3
THE JOURNEY OF
ARMS
THE MAIN ONES INCLUDE:
SMUGGLING IN MARITIME CONTAINERS:
FIREARMS ARE OFTEN CONCEALED WITHIN
LEGITIMATE CARGO CONTAINERS, EITHER AT
ORIGIN OR DESTINATION PORTS.
OVERLAND SMUGGLING: : WEAPONS CAN ALSO
BE TRANSPORTED ACROSS LAND BORDERS,
WHETHER HIDDEN IN VEHICLES, CARRIED BY
SMUGGLERS ON FOOT, OR EVEN IN ORGANIZED
CONVOYS.
AIR TRAFFICKING: THOUGH LESS COMMON DUE
TO AIRPORT SECURITY CONTROLS, FIREARMS
SMUGGLING SOMETIMES OCCURS THROUGH AIR
TRANSPORT, EITHER BY BRIBING SECURITY
PERSONNEL OR THROUGH CARGO
MANIPULATION.
LOCAL MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY: IN
SOME REGIONS, FIREARMS ARE LOCALLY
MANUFACTURED OR ASSEMBLED USING
ILLEGALLY IMPORTED PARTS AND COMPONENTS
CORRUPTION IN LEGAL SUPPLY CHAINS: :
OCCASIONALLY, FIREARMS CAN BE DIVERTED FROM
THE LEGAL SUPPLY CHAIN, WHERE THEY ARE INITIALLY
ACQUIRED LEGALLY BUT THEN DIVERTED TO THE
BLACK MARKET THROUGH CORRUPTION OF OFFICIALS,
DISTRIBUTORS, OR INTERMEDIARIES.
ONLINE TRAFFICKING: WITH THE RISE OF E-
COMMERCE, THERE HAS ALSO BEEN AN INCREASE IN
ARMS TRAFFICKING THROUGH ONLINE PLATFORMS,
WHERE TRANSACTIONS MAY BE HARDER TO TRACK
AND REGULATE.
NORTH AMERICA: AFRICA:

MAIN DESTINATIONS FOR ARMS OFFLOADING

EUROPE:
ASIA:
WAYS TO ACQUIRE FIREARMS ILLICITLY
Diversion from legal markets:

• Theft: Firearms are stolen from gun shops,

firearms stores, military bases, or secure depots,
often through burglaries or violent robberies.

• Corruption: Public officials or personnel with

access to firearms sell or facilitate their illegal
acquisition in exchange for bribes or other benefits.

• Forgery: Licenses, permits, or purchase documents

are falsified to acquire firearms legally and then
divert them to the illicit market.
WAYS TO ACQUIRE FIREARMS ILLICITLY
Smuggling:

• Overland trafficking: Firearms are transported

overland across borders or within the same
country using vehicles, clandestine routes, and
established smuggling networks.

• Maritime trafficking: Firearms are transported

by sea on ships, containers, or even small vessels,
taking advantage of poorly controlled maritime
routes or corruption in ports.

• Air trafficking: Firearms are transported by air,

sometimes using couriers or hidden in cargo or
luggage.
WAYS TO ACQUIRE FIREARMS ILLICITLY
Craftsmanship:

• Homemade production: Firearms are crafted in

makeshift workshops using rudimentary tools and
materials, often with simple designs or copies of
existing models.

• Arm conversion: Firearms of blanks, replicas, or

even power tools are modified to turn them into
functional arms.
 WAYS TO ACQUIRE FIREARMS ILLICITLY
Criminal networks:

• Organized crime groups: Criminal groups such as drug

cartels, gangs, or militaries control or actively participate
in firearms trafficking, using their power, resources, and
distribution networks to supply and sell firearms illicitly.

• Lone actors: Some individuals with technical knowledge

or access to materials may manufacture or acquire
firearms illegally to then sell them on the black market.
 WAYS TO ACQUIRE FIREARMS ILLICITLY
Internet and social networks:

• Online platforms: E-commerce platforms, clandestine

forums, or social networks are used to offer, sell, or
negotiate firearms illicitly, often with encrypted or hard-
to-trace payment and delivery methods.

• Darknet: The darknet, a hidden part of the internet

accessible only with specific software, provides a space
for the anonymous sale of firearms and other illicit items.
.
 PAYMENT METHODS FOR FIREARMS ILLICITLY
1. Cash: Cash payment remains the most common method for illicit transactions,
as it offers anonymity and ease of use. However, transporting large amounts of
cash can be risky and attract the attention of authorities.

2. Bank transfers: Both national and international bank transfers can be used to
pay for illicit firearms, especially for high-value transactions. However, banks
may have mechanisms to detect and report suspicious activities.

3. Cryptocurrencies: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Monero, or Zcash have gained

popularity in the illicit market due to their decentralized and anonymous nature.
 PAYMENT METHODS FOR FIREARMS ILLICITLY
4. Goods and services: The exchange of goods or services can be used as a form of
payment for illicit firearms. This may include drugs, vehicles, jewelry, artwork, or
even services such as money laundering or transportation.

5. Barter: Bartering firearms for other goods or services can also occur, especially
in areas with limited cash circulation or limited access to formal financial
systems.
CHAPTER :4
CAUSES OF ARMS
TRAFFICKING
MAIN CAUSES OR ACTIONS
OF ARMS TRAFFICKING
The main causes originate from
corruption, impunity and the complicity
of many authorities, but also if we add
economic factors such as poverty and
lack of opportunities in many countries,
people can turn to arms trafficking as a
way to obtain income.
 Successive U.S. administrations have allowed gun
violence to become a human rights crisis. The U.S.
does not have measures such as a national firearms
registry to control gun ownership.

The demands of criminal groups cause criminal

groups to seek firearms to strengthen their power and
carry out illegal activities such as drug trafficking,
extortion and kidnapping.

Institutional vulnerability increases corruption in the

institutions responsible for regulating and controlling
the sale and possession of firearms, which can
facilitate their illegal trafficking.
 CHAPTER 5:
CONSEQUENCES OF ARMS TRAFFICKING
CONSEQUENCES OF
ARMS TRAFFICKING:
Destabilization of Regions and
Armed Conflicts
Violations of Human Rights
Corruption and Organized Crime
Loss of Human Lives
Inhibition of Socioeconomic
Development:
 CHAPTER 6:
ORGANIZED CRIMINAL GROUPS
ORGANIZED CRIMINAL
GROUPS
The 6 most violent and dangerous
criminal organizations in the world are:
 It is one of the main criminal organizations in the
world, with more than a thousand members and an
Yakuza estimated economic volume of more than 15,000
million euros per year

It is probably the most impenetrable criminal

organization in the world, making it very difficult for
Triadas the police, armed forces or intelligence services to
infiltrate it.

They controlled the entire black market in Russia, but

Russian Mafia or Red they adopted some of the practices of Western
criminal organizations and began to engage in
Mafia kidnappings, assassinations, bombings, smuggling of
luxury goods or oil, drug trafficking, and money
laundering.
 Cosa Nostra: Originated in Palermo (Sicily) in the early 19th
Italian Mafia century, primarily involved in extortion, smuggling, and drug
trafficking.

'Ndrangheta: Originated in Calabria in the 19th century,

engaged in extortion, robbery, and drug trafficking.

Camorra: Originated in Campania (Naples) in the 14th century,

primarily involved in extortion, smuggling, robbery, and drug
trafficking.

Sacra Corona Unita: The smallest of the four major Italian

criminal organizations, formed in 1981 in the Apulia region,
engaged in extortion, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Drug Cartels - Colombia
Colombian Drug Cartels: Mainly associated with cocaine
and Mexico production and trafficking due to favorable geographic
conditions for coca cultivation and cocaine production.

Mexican Drug Cartels: Established connections with drug

trafficking from the 1950s, involved in various criminal
activities including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence.

Central American Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13): Originated in the 1980s as a

street gang in Los Angeles, expanded to become one of
Gangs America's major criminal organizations.

Latin Kings: Formed in the 1940s by Puerto Rican immigrants

in Chicago, involved in drug trafficking, arms trafficking,
murder, robbery, kidnapping, money laundering, extortion,
and corruption.

Trinitarios: Emerged in the late 1980s in New York City,

known for their hierarchical structure and green bandanas.
 ARMS TRAFFICKING IN THE
CHAPTER :7 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY
THE EFFECT OF ARMS TRAFFICKING
ON THE GLOBAL GDP
Transnational organized crime is big business. In
2009, it was estimated to generate $870
billion per year, equivalent to 1.5% of the global GDP.
This amount is more than six times the
official development assistance for that year and
nearly 7% of global merchandise exports.

Currently, illegal arms trafficking generates $170

million to $320 million per year. Therefore,
considering the global GDP is approximately
$104,476,432 billion, the effect is quite
significant. In fact, the indirect impact of the arms
trade on the global GDP is approximately
3.05%
CHAPTER 8:
MEXICO AND ARMS TRAFFICKING
WHAT IS ARMS TRAFFICKING
LIKE IN MEXICO?
It is estimated that around 15
million firearms circulate in Mexico,
of which 85% were brought in
illegally and 67.4% of intentional
homicides in the country are
committed with them. The lack of
efficient control measures in the
importation of firearms has been
one of the factors in the general
increase in criminal violence in
Mexico in recent years.

There are 2 main factors that
hinder Mexico's comprehensive
security policy and efforts to
reduce the illicit flow of military
devices:
1. Lack of fortification at the country's border
points makes illegal trade in these firearms of war
an easy task. Therefore, coordinated operations
are underway to strengthen controls at borders,
ports, airports, and strategic points to prevent
illegal exports, imports, and transit of firearms on
Mexican territory.
2. Mexico lacks control over firearms possession.
Federal government limits on data about
individuals who own small and light arms have
allowed illicit firearms trafficking to persist. There
is no control over the fate of legally obtained
firearms or the use their owners make of them.
Therefore, these firearms are also susceptible to
becoming part of illicit trafficking.
 In terms of Economy, Mexico's GDP with the world represents
1.4% to 2% of the World GDP, in currency it is approximately 1.4
billions dollars and with respect to arms trafficking in money that
occurs in Mexico it is approximately 15 billion dollars which leaves
a percentage of 1.44% indirectly in Mexico's GDP with respect to
firearms.
 Documents or Requirements:
Application as per the provided model. Original
Letter of honest living, signed by the employer, or if

PERMITS AND the applicant is the employer, signed by the municipal

president of the place of residence or the delegate in
Mexico City. Original
REQUIREMENTS FOR National military service card released for male
personnel or certified copy of the birth certificate for

CARRYING A FIREARM IN female personnel. Original and Copy

Medical certificate of no physical impediment. Original
Psychological medical certificate, attaching the results

MEXICO AND HOW THIS of the tests performed. Original

Letter of no criminal record. Original
Certificate of no consumption of drugs, narcotics, or

AFFECTS OR BENEFITS: psychotropic substances, attaching the results of the

laboratory studies conducted. Original
Proof of current address not older than six months.
Original and Copy
EVENTS OR CONFLICTS
RELATED TO ARMS
TRAFFICKING:
1. In April 1997, at the San Ysidro border
crossing near Tijuana, several commercial
trucks were intercepted carrying a cargo of
grenade launchers, M-2 rifles, thousands of
magazines, submachine guns, and other heavy-
caliber firearms.

2. On February 7, 2008, in the city of Miguel

Alemán, Tamaulipas, the Mexican Army seized
83,300 cartridges of various calibers, 89 high-
powered long firearms, a 7.62-millimeter caliber
machine gun, 235 magazines, and 3
fragmentation grenades.
WHAT HAS MEXICO DONE TO
COMBAT ARMS TRAFFICKING?
The Secretariat of National Defense is the sole
institution responsible for the importation and
sale of firearms within the country, through an
acquisition procedure with various
requirements for the different authorities that require
it.
Therefore, the control of arms is one of the top priorities
of the Mexican State, in which efforts are mainly led by
the Secretariat of National Defense, the Secretariat of
the Navy-Mexican Navy, the Secretariat of Security and
Citizen Protection through the National Guard and
Federal Police, and the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs.

These authorities will participate in coordinated

operations at various border points in the
northern part of the country, such as Tijuana-
San Diego, Ciudad Juárez-El Paso,
ReynosaMatamoros, and Nuevo Laredo.
WHAT CALIBERS ARE ALLOWED TO BE
EXPORTED AND IMPORTED IN MEXICO
• Firearms for sporting use: The importation and exportation
of firearms for sports shooting, hunting, and fishing are
allowed, provided they comply with certain requirements
established in the Federal Law of Firearms and Explosives
and its Regulation. The calibers permitted for these
activities vary according to the type of firearm and specific
use.

• Firearms for industrial use: The importation and

exportation of firearms for industrial use, such as
compressed air pistols for livestock slaughter or detonation
tools, are allowed, provided they comply with the
requirements established by the SEDENA.

• Antique firearms: The importation and exportation of

antique firearms, considered as museum pieces or
collections, are allowed, provided they comply with the
requirements established by
the SEDENA.
 GENERAL CONCLUTION:
As we saw in the presentation, this issue is very complex and controversial where
it not only affects Mexico, but also all countries in the world, thus being a problem
that in some countries goes unnoticed and in others has a little more control, but
it continues to be a very worrying issue since it increases violence and generates
global instability. However, this illicit act increases the power of organized crime
groups, which have a negative impact by breaking the security of countries and
not only that, but also in the economic aspect. Therefore, arms trafficking
continues to increase because we do not have this restriction and completely
eliminate it from this illegal action, since behind all this since the groups get rich
from this, no matter what happens and in turn it does not end completely.
 PERSONAL CONCLUTIONS:
Estefania Gonzalez:

Arms trafficking is not only a social problem, but it´s also a

political and economic problem, which in my view stems
from the ambition of certain countries such as the United
States that take advantage of other countries. On the other
hand, in Mexico there is corruption, organized crime,
poverty and among other factors that make certain
segments of the population those who are most affected
and have no other alternatives than to engage in this type
of crime to get resources and support their families.
 PERSONAL CONCLUTIONS:
Alejandro Ledesma:

The arms trade is a plague that sows pain and destruction

in entire communities, fueling conflicts, fostering violence,
and undermining social stability. To stop this scourge,
concerted global action is required, including stricter
regulation, international cooperation, and a focus on
addressing the underlying causes of armed violence. Only
when we are able to dismantle arms trafficking networks
can we cultivate a world where peace flourishes and
thrives.
 PERSONAL CONCLUTIONS:
Jesús Silva:

Arms trafficking is undoubtedly a very complex issue, so much so that in the world
and Mexico this problem continues to exist, it is incredible the incorrect use that a
firearm can have, as for this illicit act such as this trafficking can generate changes
in the economy of the world, and thus occupy a percentage indirectly, how
extensive and equally costly it is to have a firearms for personal care, how with the
passage of time organizations and cartels continue to generate too much money
from these acts, countries of great world recognition still cannot stop this crime
and it continues to grow, and until the acts of organized groups are really
combated, Drug trafficking will continue to increase and arms trafficking will also
increase.
THANK YOU
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