The National Investigation and Intervention Unit (LO) conducted this investigation under the leadership of the National Prosecutors Office. The police tracked the suspects when weapons were offered via Telegram. The police sees that crime is increasingly moving to platforms like Telegram. It is concerning that weapons are available on a free messaging service that is accessible to many people, said Jonne Janssen, Head of Operations Domain Serious Organized and Financial Crime. We work together with teams from the regions to combat the use of platforms like Telegram for criminal activities, such as firearms trafficking. No one remains anonymous on such platforms.
Firearms Team
The LO conducts targeted research into weapon flows to learn more about the criminal networks behind the trade. The arms traffickers are seen as essential service providers for organized crime and pose a threat to society. These criminals trade in drugs and use excessive violence in intimidation and executions. They do not hesitate to use firearms in residential areas.
Keep Crime Out of Your Neighborhood
This investigation is an example of the ongoing fight against undermining crime, which is central to the campaign ‘Keep Crime Out of Your Neighborhood’. This encourages citizens to be alert to suspicious activities and signs of undermining. The willingness of society to report plays a key role in this. Tackling firearms trafficking and the organized crime behind it is crucial to ensure safety in our neighborhoods. This not only dismantles the network of criminals behind the trade but also helps reduce undermining, which is often associated with drug and human trafficking.
Report Crime Anonymously
If you are (unwillingly) a member of a group on platforms like Telegram, Signal, or WhatsApp where weapons or explosives are offered for sale, report it anonymously via Meld Misdaad Anoniem at 0800-7000 or via the website. You can also contact the Criminal Intelligence Team confidentially at phone number 088 - 66 177 34.
