SALW Control Roadmap 2024
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Western Balkan Criminal Project (WBCJ) (EUROJUST)

Duration

2022-2026

Beneficiary/ies

Western Balkan judicial and law enforcement authorities

Donor/s

European Union (Pre-accession Assistance IPA III instrument)

Funding Amount

EUR 6,000,000

Funding gaps (if any)

N/A

Objective/s

Enhance operational and strategic cross-border cooperation within the Western Balkans and between the region and the EU on fighting organised crime and terrorism using modern tools and instruments.

Contributing to the Roadmap goal/s

Goal 3 - By 2024, significantly reduce illicit flows of firearms, ammunition and explosives (FAE) into, within and beyond the Western Balkans. 

Contributing to the Roadmap overall targets

Goal 3:

  • Prevent trafficking (smuggling, illicit trade and transit) of FAE through improved processes, equipment and training of targeted law enforcement units.
  • Strengthen existing bilateral, regional and international mechanisms and encourage new forms of good practice to counter trafficking of firearms.

Key activities implemented up to date

By supporting cross-border investigations and prosecutions in the area of weapon trafficking, the project contributes to fighting illicit trade and flows of weapons, essential components, ammunition and explosives in the Western Balkans.

  • So far, the project supported one joint investigation team between 2 Western Balkan jurisdictions on weapon trafficking, including through equipment, support to special investigative measures and action days leading to the arrest of dozens of suspects and illicit weapons such as pistols, long guns, hand grenades and ammunition.
  • The project also supported the WB authorities in two other cross-border cases with EU Member States involving weapon trafficking. Investigations are ongoing.  

Main challenges encountered

N/A