Firearms

Australian Firearms Information Network

Kate — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:08:51 +0000

Australian Firearms Information Network Kate Tue, 2022-12-20 11:08

20 December 2022

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s (ACIC) National Firearms Identification Database (NFID) is a reference tool that helps Australian police identify and record firearms in a consistent way. NFID is used to identify and characterise a firearm, using details such as make, model, chambering and capacity.

NFID is a reference tool that helps Australian police to consistently identify and record firearms during:

registration
importation
transfer of ownership
movement across state and territory borders.

The NFID public website assists with the identification of firearms for registration and destruction. The website went live on 27 August 2021.

Each listed firearm has a unique NFID number which can then be entered into the Australian Firearms Information Network (AFIN) to ensure that the details of the firearm are accurate.

The AFIN provides a national life-cycle view of registered firearms in Australia, from legal importation through to legal exportation or destruction, to support law enforcement agencies and the officers who protect our communities.

All Australian police jurisdictions, including the Australian Federal Police integrated with AFIN by 2020–21.

The AFIN provides firearm information through system to system integration, this allows national access to detailed, historical and cross jurisdictional firearms information to improve safety.

The information in the AFIN is provided by firearm registries and also Commonwealth agencies who deal with imports/exports and permits. States and territories are responsible for issues relating to possession, licensing, manufacture and use of firearms. AFIN allows state and territory firearms registries to maintain visibility of firearms and firearm holder’s information – such as name and date of birth – and where they are registered when they move between state and territory registries. Although AFIN improves information-sharing between states and territories in relation to individual firearms, its purpose is not to manage and regulate ownership and use. AFIN is available for each state and territory to search national information on firearms.

The ACIC works closely with all Australian policing partners to support sharing of information to counter criminal threats and mitigate risk, including through NFID and AFIN. Further, strong national collaboration has been key in the development and delivery of the ACIC’s National Criminal Intelligence System (NCIS), which provides Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies with secure access to a national view of criminal intelligence and information. AFIN data will be ingested into NCIS in the future allowing for overlay of firearms information with criminal intelligence holdings and police incident data.

Firearms

Media statement: Illicit firearms in Australia

Kate — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 00:42:27 +0000

Media statement: Illicit firearms in Australia Kate Fri, 2022-09-09 10:42

26 April 2022

While the size of the illicit firearm market cannot be definitively measured, based on available data, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) conservatively estimates there are 260,000 firearms (250,000 long-arms and 10,000 handguns) in the domestic illicit market. This estimate is based on a range of intelligence sources, including historical and updated firearm importation figures and seizure trends since the 2013 release of this estimation.

The ACIC has not observed a significant change in the market since the 2016 Illicit firearms in Australia report was released. There are a number of variables involved in reaching this assessment, and the ACIC continues to review this estimation as more definitive information becomes available.

Firearms

Enhancing the national picture of illicit firearms

Stephen — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 02:32:07 +0000

Enhancing the national picture of illicit firearms Stephen Tue, 2020-08-11 12:32

21 October 2016

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission today released its first unclassified assessment of the illicit firearms market.

Minister for Justice, the Hon. Michael Keenan MP, launched the Illicit Firearms in Australia report alongside Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chris Dawson, in Melbourne.

“The use and movement of illicit firearms by criminals is a serious national problem. It impacts every Australian jurisdiction and affects the safety of our community,” said Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Chief Executive Officer, Chris Dawson.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission continues to conservatively estimate that there are more than 250,000 long-arms and 10,000 handguns in the illicit market.

“One illegal firearm in our community is one too many,” Mr Dawson said.

“The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission supports any efforts, including both local and national firearm amnesties, which reduce the number of, and access to, illegal or unregistered firearms in the community.”

Firearms and organised crime are inextricably linked, with strategies needed to address both the illicit supply chain for firearms and the underlying activities of organised crime groups. Criminals use firearms to protect their illicit interests, such as drugs, or commit acts of violence and intimidation.

The report shows that firearms are entering the illicit market through a range of methods. In most instances, the method for how the firearm becomes illicit can be categorised as either historical or contemporary.

Historical methods of diversion include the grey market and legislative loopholes. Contemporary methods include theft, illicit assembly, illicit manufacture and illegal importation.

The report’s findings include:

An increasing number of organised crime groups, including outlaw motorcycle gangs are trafficking illicit firearms.
A conservative estimate of more than 250,000 long-arms and 10,000 handguns in the illicit market, although it could be much higher.
Firearm enthusiasts with no previous criminal involvement influence demand by sourcing rare items from the illicit market.
The illegal movement of firearms is compounded by the high degree of anonymity the online environment offers firearm vendors and purchasers.
Between 2004 and 2016 the ACIC received 6,874 requests for domestic firearms traces from its Australian law enforcement partners. The greatest proportion of illicit firearms traced was identified as coming from the grey market.
To date, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission holds more than 1.8 million historical records of firearms transactions. These records ensure that the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s firearm trace capability is the most comprehensive program available to law enforcement in Australia.

“New trends in methods of acquiring and moving illicit firearms continue to evolve. The collection of national intelligence on illicit firearms with our partners assists all law enforcement agencies and governments to effectively discover, understand and respond to criminal activities where firearms are used,” Mr Dawson said.

The Illicit Firearms in Australia report is the unclassified version of updated classified intelligence products provided to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s law enforcement partners in 2015.

The report details the current understanding of the nature and extent of illicit firearms in the Australian community.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission was established 1 July 2016 following a merge between the Australian Crime Commission and CrimTrac. The agency also undertakes criminological research and communicates the findings through the Australian Institute of Criminology. Bringing these three agencies together will continue to enhance the national picture of firearms in the Australian community.

The full Illicit Firearms in Australia report is available on the ACIC website.

Firearms

Firearms seized and men arrested following warrants across Melbourne

Stephen — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 02:29:14 +0000

Firearms seized and men arrested following warrants across Melbourne Stephen Tue, 2020-08-11 12:29

30 October 2016

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Victoria Police

Police from the North West Metro Region Crime Squad have seized firearms, drugs and cash today as part of a joint operation with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission targeting drug activity in Victoria.

A vehicle was intercepted on the Hume Highway in Wallan about 5am this morning and two men were arrested.

A quantity of what’s believed to be the drug ICE, a firearm, silencer and a quantity of cash were found during a subsequent search of the vehicle.

Warrants were then executed about 10am at a factory in Springvale and residential properties in Deer Park, Sunshine and Glen Waverley.

During the warrants, 13 firearms and what is believed to be pre cursor chemicals were located at the Springvale address.

Four further firearms and a significant quantity of cash were also located at the Deer Park property.

A 45-year-old Deer park man and a 32-year-old Glen Waverley man have both been charged with drug and firearms offences, as well as knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.

They faced an out of sessions court hearing this afternoon and were remanded in custody to face Melbourne Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

A 22-year-old woman and a 34-year-old woman, both Korean nationals, are also currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Today’s arrests and seizures are part of an ongoing joint operation between Victoria Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s National Taskforce Eligo.

Firearms

Illicit drugs

International operation targets users of Darknet marketplace

Stephen — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 02:28:01 +0000

International operation targets users of Darknet marketplace Stephen Tue, 2020-08-11 12:28

01 November 2016

ACT Policing, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Federal Police, Department of Immigration and Border Protection, New South Wales Police Force, Northern Territory Police, Queensland Police Service, South Australia Police, Tasmania Police, Victoria Police, Western Australia Police

People using Darknet sites to source and deal in illicit drugs and other illegal items have been targeted by multiple law enforcement agencies in a global week of action.

International partners include agencies from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Finland and the Netherlands.

The ‘Darknet Period of Action’ was initiated to develop a more unified global law enforcement response to the growing use of Darknet sites to buy and sell illicit goods and services.

The ‘Darknet Period of Action’ in Australia last week involved the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Australian Border Force (ABF) and state and territory police services.

The operation involved activity across every state and territory in Australia with a total of 11 search warrants executed resulting in four arrests and six summons issued. Illicit substances discovered during search warrant activity included MDMA, steroids, cannabis, opium, cocaine and methylamphetamine. Operational activity to target Darknet activity will continue over the coming weeks.

While illegal drugs continue to be the most common item purchased and sold on the Darknet, law enforcement agencies around the world are also seeing a wide range of illicit materials such as weapons, fake identities and prescription drugs, as well as illegal services such as money laundering being offered for sale.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney, National Manager Organised Crime and Cyber, said the belief that the Darknet was an anonymous part of the internet was not correct.

“While it is not an offence to access such sites, the purchase and importation of illicit goods and services is.”

“Last week’s actions demonstrate that law enforcement agencies across the globe are working collaboratively to identify and apprehend those individuals using illicit Darknet sites.”

To combat the movement of illicit materials into Australia, Australian Border Force officers examined approximately 57.5 million mail articles last financial year.

ABF Assistant Commissioner Strategic Border Command, Clive Murray, said the operation was another example of the real-world consequences of buying illicit items online.

“The ABF and our partner agencies are well aware of Darknet websites and their use as a virtual trading venue for illicit goods,” said Assistant Commissioner Murray.

“At some point, all goods sourced internationally must cross the border and the ABF has the capability to target and detect these goods – no matter what it is.”

ACIC Executive Director Intelligence, Col Blanch, said that a range of Australian agencies monitor illicit e-commerce platforms, working closely with international partner agencies.

“If you are thinking of engaging in illegal activity through these websites, there is no guarantee you will remain anonymous, and you will be prosecuted,” Mr Blanch said.

Note – Footage of ABF officers inspecting mail items at international mail centres can be found at:http://newsroom.border.gov.au/videos/darknet-week-of-action

Cybercrime

Illicit drugs

Firearms

Man charged, almost $5 million worth of drugs seized – Rozelle

Stephen — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 02:17:34 +0000

Man charged, almost $5 million worth of drugs seized – Rozelle Stephen Tue, 2020-08-11 12:17

10 February 2017

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, New South Wales Police Force

A man will appear in court today after drugs with an estimated street value of almost $5 million were seized during search warrants in Rozelle this week as part of a joint operation with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).

Operation Condor was established by officers from South West Metropolitan Region to investigate the ongoing supply of drugs and firearms by Assyrian organised crime networks in the area.

On Wednesday (8 February 2017), officers attached to Region Enforcement Squad (RES) Wetherill Park, with the assistance of officers from the ACIC, executed a search warrant at a home on Mullens Street, Rozelle.

It will be alleged 2.7kg of cocaine, approximately 15,500 ecstasy tablets, four hand guns, two of which were loaded, and ammunition were located in the home and seized for forensic examination.

Following inquiries, about 10.45am yesterday (Thursday 9 February 2017), with ACIC assistance RES officers arrested a 30-year-old man on the same street.

Two further search warrants were executed at homes on Pine Street, Rozelle and Glenhaven Road, Glenhaven.

Items including almost $300,000 in cash, 12.3kg of cocaine, 13.4kg of methylamphetamine, almost 3.5kg of an unknown powder, jewellery, two handguns, a motorcycle, and a Toyota Hiace van were seized from the first address. Nothing was seized from the second.

The estimated street value of the cocaine seized is approximately $4.5 million and the estimated street value of the methylamphetamine, $310,000.

The man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with 15 offences including supply large commercial quantity of prohibited drug, supply commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, possess unregistered firearm, possess unauthorised pistol and not keep firearm safely.

The man was refused bail, and will appear at Central Local Court today (Friday 10 February 2017).

Illicit drugs

Firearms

Joint agency investigation into money laundering leads to alleged drug syndicate

Stephen — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 01:27:20 +0000

Joint agency investigation into money laundering leads to alleged drug syndicate Stephen Tue, 2020-08-11 11:27

26 March 2017

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, New South Wales Police Force

Three men have been charged, firearms and drugs seized, and booby traps dismantled, as part of a joint-agency investigation into transnational organised crime.

Strike Force Bugam is a joint investigation between the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) Organised Crime Squad and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) into internationally-based money laundering syndicates operating in Sydney.

Since June 2016, Strike Force investigators have conducted extensive inquiries, resulting in the arrest and charge of nine people for various offences, and dismantling a transnational money laundering syndicate.

During this investigation, strike force officers conducted inquiries into a suspected drug supply syndicate.

Following extensive investigations, police from The Hume Local Area Command stopped a tow truck towing a Hyundai iLoad van at Marulan, just before 10pm on Wednesday (22 March 2017).

Officers search the van and located 8kg of cocaine, 6.2kg of methylamphetamine, and a Glock pistol, with magazine and ammunition.

An examination of the firearm revealed it is one of a number of Glocks illegally imported into Australia from Germany.

Shortly after, strike force investigators arrested a 32-year-old man at a home at Moorebank and taken to Liverpool Police Station.

About 4am on Thursday (23 March 2017), a 29-year-old was arrested when he arrived at the home at Moorebank, and taken to Liverpool Police Station.

The 32-year-old Moorebank man was charged with commercial drug supply and knowingly direct criminal group.

The 29-year-old Miranda man was charged with commercial drug supply.

Both men were refused bail and appeared at Liverpool Local Court, where they were formally refused bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday 10 May 2017.

A police operation was then conducted involving strike force officers and police from the Drug Squad’s Chemical Operations, South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad, Central Metropolitan Region’s Strike Force Odin, and local police, between Thursday and Friday (23 – 24 March 2017).

Strike force officers executed five search warrants at properties in East Hills, Moorebank, Miranda, and Yennora, where they seized nine firearms, a bulletproof vest, cocaine, MDMA powder and pills, methylamphetamine, cocaine block press, two old hydroponic cannabis setups, steroids, mobile phones, laptops, electronic storage devices, and documentation.

Specialist police from the Rescue and Bomb Squad inspected three booby traps, which were located in a gun safe at one of the properties. The items were seized by the Australian Defence Force.

Police also seized a Dodge 4WD and a Nissan Navara for forensic examination.

A third man – aged 70 – was arrested at one of the East Hills properties and taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with possess prohibited drug.

He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 12 April 2017.

Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Wayne Walpole, said the strike force’s results so far were indicative of the changing face of organised crime.

“Strike Force Bugam investigators have dismantled unrelated groups allegedly dealing in different aspects of ‘business’, who have been working together to profit through organised crime,” Det A/Supt Walpole said.

“The joint investigation is continuing and further arrests are expected. I would encourage those who are expecting us to come forward before we come to you.”

ACIC New South Wales State Manager Warren Gray said “serious and organised crime is growing in sophistication and constantly adopting new and advanced technologies to undertake illegal activities.”

“Investigations like Strike Force Bugam affirm the effectiveness of ‘following the money’ as a way of unearthing organised criminal activity, and collaborative work of law enforcement agencies is highly commendable.”

Money laundering

Illicit drugs

Firearms