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ACC. 2015 ‘Firearm Trafficking.’ Organised Crime in Australia 2015, pp. 56-58. Canberra: Australian Crime Commission. 1 May

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Firearm Trafficking

[I]n Australia, there is no single group that dominates the sale and supply of firearms to the illicit market. Both organised crime groups and individual, lower-level criminals drive the demand for illicit firearms. Firearm enthusiasts with no previous criminal involvements can also influence demand by sourcing rare or specialised items from the illicit market because they cannot obtain these items through licit means…

The 'grey market' and technical loopholes in legislation continue as historical methods of supplying and diverting firearms to the illicit market. Contemporary methods of supply include theft from licensed individuals and firearm dealers, or the illegal importation of firearms and parts.

The grey market is part of the illicit market and comprises primarily long-arms that were not registered or surrendered in accordance with the 1996 National Firearms Agreement. The grey market is the main source of rifles and shotguns in the illicit market; however, the majority of grey market firearms are believed to be held by 'noncriminals'. The large pool of long-arms in the grey market, and motivation by criminal entities to obtain firearms, make this a continuing source of supply.

There are also a very small number of individuals who domestically manufacture limited quantities of firearms -- in particular, single-shot and sub-machine guns. In Australia, the illicit manufacture of small-calibre single-shot pen guns is a confirmed concern to law enforcement as they are reliable, concealable and effective in firing ammunition…

The extent to which firearms and firearm parts are illegally imported into Australia, and are not detected at the border, is currently unknown. Historical trace data has shown proportionally low levels of importation when compared with other known methods of diversion…

The social impacts of firearm trafficking are diverse and include the targeting of legitimate firearm owners and dealers for theft. Some Australian policing jurisdictions saw an increase in the number of registered firearms stolen within their regions in 2013-14…

ID: Q11621

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