Arms Smuggling

Russia Supplying Weapons to Italian Mafia, Fuels Discord, Report Claims

Recent investigations reveal a clandestine arms trade involving the smuggling of unmarked Kalashnikov rifles and ammunition from Russian state-owned factories into Italy. These weapons, produced between 2010 and 2020, are transported via sea routes through Sicilian ports, potentially utilizing the Russian shadow fleet. Italian mafia groups, particularly those in Catania, are the recipients of these arms, with caches discovered in various neighborhoods. Europol and other sources suggest that the export of these unmarked weapons is likely sanctioned by Russian government entities, with the weapons often concealed within shipments of oil or fuel.

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Foreign Nationals Charged with Stalking, Smuggling, and Export Violations

Cui Guanghai and John Miller, a Chinese and U.S. resident respectively, were indicted on charges of interstate stalking, conspiracy, smuggling, and violating the Arms Export Control Act. Their alleged actions targeted a Los Angeles artist who had criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping, involving surveillance, vandalism, and attempts to suppress the artist’s speech. The defendants also sought to illegally export sensitive U.S. military technology to China. If convicted, they face significant prison time.

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