Countering Illicit Arms Trafficking in the Russian Federation
Illicit arms trafficking stimulates an increase in crime, which is a threat to public safety. The relevance of the research is due to the issues of countering illicit arms trafficking in the Russian Federation. The concept of the term “firearms” has been defined. Its characteristics have been discussed. The issues of countering the activities of criminal groups have been considered. The typical profile of criminals specializing in this type of crimes has been created. The interactions of international law enforcement entities countering illicit arms trafficking have been analyzed. The measures of legislative response to illicit arms trafficking, including supplementary measures and theft prevention have been grounded. The ways of countering the illegal trafficking of weapons by the security forces of the state has been studied. The specifics of illicit trafficking of firearms in foreign countries, such as the USA and some European states, have been compared. It has been concluded that the fight against illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition should take place at all levels: legislative, law-enforcement, and licensing. It has been proposed to strengthen the powers of law enforcement agencies to counter illicit arms trafficking, as well as to apply forms and methods of counterintelligence of the security organs during the joint activities aimed to combat organized criminal groups.