Illicit Firearms and Organized Crime

Session Submission Type: Pre-arranged Panel

Abstract

This panel brings together leading and emerging experts researching the intersections between illicit firearms, organized crime and criminal networks. The panel is comprised of select authors who are contributing chapters to the forthcoming edited collection: Illicit firearm markets and organized crime: Global, regional and local perspectives. (Oxford University Press). The book represents an interdisciplinary, global edited collection drawing together cutting-edge research on illicit firearms markets in different regions, with a specific focus on the interconnections and interrelationships between illicit firearms markets and organized crime / organized criminal groups. This includes: (1) The methods and routes by which firearms enter illicit markets; (2) Illicit firearms as facilitators and enablers of other illicit markets and other crime including organized crime; (3) The role of illicit firearms in exacerbating organized crime, and related crime and violence; and (4) Policy responses to illicit firearms and the efficacy of such including unintended consequences. Each chapter of the book will examine a particular global region and / or a specific thematic area and shed light on the links between illicit firearms markets, illicit firearms trafficking and organized crime. In this panel we discuss these issues in the context of Europe, the Caribbean, firearms trafficking networks, and the use of illicit firearms by members of organized criminal groups.

Subtopic

• Topic 2: Types of Offending / Organized Crime (Organized Crime WG)

Chair

• David Bright, Deakin University

Individual Presentations

• Organized crime and illicit firearms in Europe - Lina Grip, Swedish Prison and Probation Service

• Firearms trafficking and crime in the Caribbean. - Nicolas Florquin, Small Arms Survey, Switzerland; Anne-Séverine Fabre, Small Arms Survey

• Firearms trafficking networks: A multiplex network approach - Fenna van der Wijk, University of Groningen

• “If you get into the business you have to arm up”: The possession, display and discharge of firearms by members of organized criminal groups. - David Bright, Deakin University