Ten arrests in dismantling of counterfeit firearms trafficking from Turkey to EU
French authorities have dismantled a criminal network specialising in trafficking counterfeit and converted firearms from Turkey to the European Union, resulting in ten arrests and searches of luxury properties in southern France.
Ten arrests in dismantling of counterfeit firearms trafficking from Turkey to EU
French investigators arrested ten suspects and searched seven luxury villas in southern France during coordinated operations between 8 and 11 June 2026. The operation targeted a criminal network accused of smuggling counterfeit and converted firearms from Turkey to the European Union.
The French Gendarmerie nationale led the investigation, with support from Europol and the Swiss Federal Police. The case began in June 2025 following the seizure of two counterfeit pistols concealed inside a luxury car travelling from Switzerland to France.
Detectives identified a well-organised group composed primarily of Turkish nationals, led by a Turkish-German suspect. The network had reportedly established an international supply chain, transporting firearm replicas that closely mimic genuine firearms in appearance, durability and performance.
Unlike traditional illicit arms markets, these counterfeit firearms are manufactured with industrial-quality precision. Their reliability makes them attractive to criminal groups seeking lethal weapons whilst avoiding traditional supply channels, according to Europol.
The suspected network leader was arrested in Slovakia and extradited to Turkey in early 2026. Investigators suspect he continued to coordinate the network's activities from detention through associates distributed across Europe.
Members of the group resided in high-end properties in southern France and used luxury vehicles whilst running the trafficking operation. Authorities estimate the network realised substantial profits by supplying weapons to criminals in several European countries.
During the action days, Europol sent three specialists to France to assist with real-time operational coordination, analysis and development of new investigative leads.
Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)