Western Balkans a key source of illegal weapons in the EU

(Patria) - The Western Balkans region continues to be a key source of illegal weapons for the EU, it was warned in the recently published Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA), released by EUROPOL.

As stated, some conflict zones, such as Ukraine, can be equally important as a significant source of illegal weapons.

EUROPOL emphasizes in the document that activities related to arms and explosives smuggling remain a critically important issue for the EU.

"The seriousness of violence caused by illegal weapons and explosives is increasing, as is the number of shootings and bombings in the criminal underworld," warns the EUROPOL document.

The document points out that the volume of arms smuggling is increasing, posing an increased security concern for the EU. Geopolitical instabilities also favour criminal groups, it is added.

"Although large shipments of weapons smuggled from Ukraine remain limited due to the Russian war of aggression, there is concern that Ukraine will become an important source of illegal weapons and ammunition, including drones that are being developed in the short and medium term," the document states.

The risk increases when considering stockpiles from previous conflicts and criminal networks that use such resources.

"The Western Balkans remains a key source of illegal weapons smuggled into the EU," the document warns.