Regional Workshops on Weapon Serial Number Restoration in Belgrade and Tirana

In close cooperation with the National Ballistic Intelligence Service (NABIS) from the United Kingdom, SEESAC organized workshops in Belgrade and Tirana on weapon serial number restoration for representatives of Firearms Focal Points and Ballistic Laboratories from the Western Balkans region.

The primary purpose of these workshops was to train participants in mixing the chemicals into recipes that can be used for serial number restoration and to teach them how to implement relevant techniques for restoring weapon serial numbers.

The participants had an opportunity to learn from an expert in weapon serial number restoration. Besides theoretical lectures about different restoration methods of the obliterated weapon’s serial number and the introduction of new technologies, participants had the opportunity to conduct practical exercises. During the introduction session, it was highlighted how important it is to advance the knowledge and keep up with new technologies in weapon serial number restoration since new ways of serial number distractions are constantly turning up.

The practical part of the workshop covered retrieving weapon serial numbers from various kinds of metal, such as steel and alloy, but also plastic and wood. The Workshop participants found it very useful to learn how to use electromagnetic and chemical restoration techniques.

The workshop was organized within the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/1788, in support of SEESAC for the implementation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans.