Fears crime gangs stockpiling illegal guns

Deadly guns and silencers are being smuggled into Australia at alarming rates, amid fears crime gangs are building a powerful weapons stockpile.

Deadly firearms and parts seized at the borders by the Australian Border Force

The number of illegal guns organised crime syndicates are attempting to smuggle into Australia has risen sharply as crooks find new ways to sneak firearms across the border.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal more than 700 firearms and firearm parts were uncovered by border officials in the last six months of 2021.

It was a significant jump on the more than 1067 undeclared firearms and firearm parts that were detected at Australian borders in the 2021/22 financial year.

There has also been a surge in the importation of silencers, with fears organised crime groups, including outlaw motorcycle gangs, are building up a stockpile of the silencers to quietly commit violent crimes, including fatal shootings.

Many of the intercepted firearms were broken down into individual parts and hidden in packages sent over the course of several months, primarily from China and the US.

The methods of concealment aim to evade authorities, however, the Australian Border Force has warned they have access to high-level intelligence and superior technologies, which are helping to combat the illicit trade.

More than 1000 undeclared firearms were uncovered by Australian Border Force in the year to June 2021.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands many of these silencers and gun parts have been imported by individual “gun enthusiasts” – but they are also being brought in by criminals with the aim of reassembling the guns and selling them on the black market.

Victoria and NSW are understood to be the epicentre of illegal gun importations in the country.

Military-style firearms are also in circulation in Victoria, with senior police alleging one of Melbourne’s most feared gangs – the Notorious Crime Family – are players in the trafficking business.

Melbourne-based Hells Angel president Luke Moloney was last month also busted in a raid, which uncovered an imitation AK47 rifle.

ABF Commander Chris Holzheimer from Aviation and Regional Operations told the Sunday Herald Sun they were working harder than ever to stop illicit firearms from hitting the streets.

“In recent months we have intercepted an increasing amount of firearms silencers at the border,” he said.

“Criminals are also increasingly importing firearms parts with the aim of putting together completed guns here in Australia.

“The importation of guns and gun parts puts lives in danger and enables organised crime syndicates and outlaw motorcycle gangs to carry out criminal activity in Australia.”

Police allege George Marrogi’s Notorious Crime Family gang is a player in the gun trafficking business.

Hells Angels president Luke Moloney was busted in a raid that uncovered an AK47 rifle.

The total of 719 firearms and firearm parts were uncovered by border officials between July and December 2021.

Of those detected in that period, 143 were located in Victoria.

The state recorded a further 104 undeclared firearms detections in the 2020-21 financial year.

During one major Victorian bust last November, 12 suppressors were uncovered in nine consignments sent over a six-month period.

Warrants were executed with support from Victoria Police Divisional Firearms Officers, with multiple silencers and six firearms seized.

A total of 1067 undeclared firearms, firearm parts, and accessories were detected by ABF at the international border in the 2020-21 financial year.

In Western Australia, the ABF detected an unfinished firearm suppressor sent from China to a man with links to the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang.

A raid of his home last July uncovered a cache of deadly weapons, including an illegally manufactured shotgun, replica firearms, electric shock devices, various controlled weapons, ammunition and a ballistic vest.

That same month WA authorities thwarted a plot to illegally manufacture a submachine gun.

The suspect – who had convictions for manslaughter and drug trafficking – came under the radar after purchasing firearm related items.

His property was raided, uncovering evidence the man was attempting to manufacture illicit firearms, including a partially complete submachine gun.

He was charged with firearm and drug offences.

Unlawful importation of firearms into Australia carries a maximum 10-year jail term.

Mr Holzheimer warned criminals involved in the illicit trade to stop now or face serious consequences.

“The ABF works alongside its law enforcement partners to target the organised crime syndicates which seek to import illicit firearms into Australia,” he said.

“ABF officers use advanced analytical techniques and technology to disrupt the supply of illicit firearms and thwart organised crime.”