Interpol warning: Weapons sent to Ukraine may end up in the hands of criminals
02/06/2022
Interpol has raised concerns that weapons delivered to Ukraine could eventually find their way into the hands of criminals, citing Afghanistan as an example where, despite the withdrawal of U.S. troops, arms ended up with the Taliban.
The war in Ukraine continues to spark growing fears. The shipment of Western weapons to the conflict zone has already fueled tensions with Russia, which persists with a policy of threats. Now, a new concern emerges: that arms could flow into the black market or criminal networks, Interpol warns, pointing to the lessons of Afghanistan.
Specifically, Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock stated — according to the British Guardian — during a press conference at the Anglo-American Press Association in Paris, that once the war ends, heavy weaponry could surge into the global market. He urged Interpol member states to take active measures in tracing and monitoring these weapons.
“Once weapons are no longer being used in Ukraine, illegality will appear. We know this from the past. Criminals are focusing, even as we speak, on these weapons of war,” Stock said.
He added that criminal groups try to exploit chaotic situations and the availability of weapons, including military-grade and heavy arms. “These will be available on the black market and will create a new scenario. No single country or region can tackle this problem alone because such groups operate internationally.”
“We expect a large influx of weapons into Europe and beyond. We must be on high alert, and at the same time, expect these weapons to be transferred to other continents as well,” Stock warned.
He called on all Interpol members to use advanced tracking and tracing systems, stressing that criminals are interested in all types of weapons.
For more than three months, since the start of the Russian invasion, Western nations have been sending modern weaponry to Ukraine. Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that Washington will provide Kyiv with new-generation missile systems.
The Guardian also reminds that after the U.S. withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in 2021, following a 20-year war, a huge stockpile of advanced weapons was left behind and fell into the hands of the Taliban.
Stock also noted that during the war in Ukraine, crime rates have soared, with large-scale thefts of fertilizers and agricultural products, which have seen their prices rise significantly.
Finally, he confirmed that Interpol has received a request from Ukraine to help identify war victims. “We are not in Ukraine, but we can assist,” he concluded.
Source: Protothema.gr