vier mannen opgepakt in breed internationaal onderzoek naar vuurwapenhandel
Rotterdam, vrijdag, 27 februari 2026.
Een internationaal onderzoek naar illegale vuurwapenhandel heeft geleid tot vier arrestaties in Nederland. De verdachten, jonge mannen uit rotterdam, den haag en alkmaar, waren al langer onderwerp van aandacht bij justitiële autoriteiten. Hun dna verscheen op wapens onderschept in engeland, waar ze zich in een auto met verborgen vakken bevonden. Sindsdien werkte europol samen met nationale diensten om de keten bloot te leggen. Bij huiszoekingen vonden agenten geen wapens, maar wel kogels, geluiddempers en aanpasgereedschap. Twee verdachten zitten nog veertien dagen vast. De zaak wijst op een strakke netwerkstructuur die dwars door europa reikt. Mogelijke veiligheidsrisico’s zijn ernstig.
four arrests linked to cross-border firearms trafficking
Four young men aged 21 to 26 from Rotterdam, The Hague, and Alkmaar were arrested on Tuesday 24 February in connection with an international investigation into illegal firearms trade [1]. Their DNA was traced to weapons intercepted months earlier in a hidden compartment vehicle at the Port of Dover, UK [2]. Since then, Europol coordinated efforts across national law enforcement agencies to dismantle the network allegedly responsible for smuggling modified firearms across Europe [2].
evidence uncovered during raids supports serious charges
Although no firearms were discovered during subsequent house searches, investigators seized ammunition, silencers, gun barrels, magazine holders, packaging materials, and tools potentially used for modifying weapons [2]. Authorities believe these items indicate organized activity rather than isolated incidents [2]. The suspects have been presented to the examining magistrate, with two—aged 26 from The Hague and 23 from Alkmaar—remanded in custody for fourteen days pending further questioning [1][2]. The other two were released but remain under suspicion [1].
regional and european cooperation targets organised crime networks
This operation highlights growing collaboration among European judicial authorities targeting transnational firearm trafficking [1]. Such networks pose significant security risks due to the potential use of illicit weapons in violent crimes or terrorist acts [3]. Recent EU proposals aim to strengthen controls on illegal arms flows through new legislation and enhanced intelligence sharing [3]. The ongoing probe seeks to uncover additional links and disrupt supply chains stretching across multiple countries [2].