Seoul - Two Korean men were indicted for embezzlement and tax evasion. One of the men, Lee, worked for a private weapons broker named Ilgwang Gongyoung. The other Korean, Yun, and Lee collaborated on a deal with Russia to import weapons to Korea.
Korea's Ministry of National Defense lacked the knowledge of Russian weapons according to a weapons broker official. Lee and Yun carried out the deal, but kept part of the money.
18 November 2009
Iran Speaks Out on S-300 Shipment Delay
Tehran - Iranian senior lawmaker Alaeddin Bouroujerdi said that if Russia does not keep its contractual obligation to deliver S-300 missiles, Iran would start developing their own SAM systems. Iran claims they will have the capability to create their own systems in the near future.
Russia is currently six months late on delivering the S-300, but Russia has said they would not cancel the contract. Russia is also under pressure from the US and Israel to delay or cancel the shipment. Iran has urged Russia not to concede to any western pressure, specifically involving the Radar and Interceptor missile agreements with the US.
Sources:
Iran warns it may produce S-300 system
Iran urges Russia to deliver overdue missiles
Iran urges Russia to meet its contractual obligations in S-300 deal
Russia is currently six months late on delivering the S-300, but Russia has said they would not cancel the contract. Russia is also under pressure from the US and Israel to delay or cancel the shipment. Iran has urged Russia not to concede to any western pressure, specifically involving the Radar and Interceptor missile agreements with the US.
Sources:
Iran warns it may produce S-300 system
Iran urges Russia to deliver overdue missiles
Iran urges Russia to meet its contractual obligations in S-300 deal
Iran Refusing Uranium Shipment Agreement
Tehran - Manouchehr Mottaki, Iranian Foreign Minister, said on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic refuses to send uranium to other countries. The deal between Iran, the US, Russia, France, and the UN was for Iran to ship uranium to Russia for enrichment. France would take the uranium and prepare it for Iran's nuclear reactors.
Iran has hinted at agreeing to simultaneously swapping uranium for nuclear fuel. Their catch is that the trade must happen inside of Iran under their supervision.
Sources:
Iran will not send enriched uranium abroad - foreign minister
Iran rejects sending uranium abroad
Iran has hinted at agreeing to simultaneously swapping uranium for nuclear fuel. Their catch is that the trade must happen inside of Iran under their supervision.
Sources:
Iran will not send enriched uranium abroad - foreign minister
Iran rejects sending uranium abroad
Release of Names - Top Officials Aware of France's Arms Trade
France - Charles Pasqua, former prime minister of France, said former president Jacques Chirac knew about the arms trade with Angola. Pasqua also names Dominique de Villepin (Chirac's chief of staff), Charles Millon (defense minister), and Herve de Charette (foreign minister) with Chirac. Pasqua was found convicted along with Russian born Israeli businessman Arkadi Gaydamak.
Pasqua presented secret documents confirming the sales plus the illegality of the trade. The arms came from the former Soviet states, and were shipped to Angola between 1993 to 1998.
Source:
French ex-minister accuses Chirac over Angola arms sales
Pasqua presented secret documents confirming the sales plus the illegality of the trade. The arms came from the former Soviet states, and were shipped to Angola between 1993 to 1998.
Source:
French ex-minister accuses Chirac over Angola arms sales
11 November 2009
The Kremlin: IMINT Project
Kremlin - Image One - Satellite
Kremlin - Image Two - Aerial
Kremlin - Image Three - Aerial
The subject of the IMINT project is the Moscow Kremlin. There are three images used for the project. image one is a satellite image from Google Maps. The area is triangular shaped with walls surrounding a majority of the land. Within the walls are various buildings, many of them having inner courtyards. Image two is an aerial image, obtained from Wikipedia, showing the southern wall of the Kremlin. Image three is another aerial view, found in Wikipedia's image database, showing the eastern wall that faces Russia's Red Square.
Usefulness
Looking at Image One, the Kremlin has very few entrances. The wall completely surrounds the buildings. There are numerous trees blocking the northwest wall. The southern wall is bordered by a highway and a river. The eastern wall is directly across the Red Square. There is visitor parking near the lower part of the eastern wall.
The satellite image shows the inner streets hidden by the wall, and trails inside and outside the Kremlin wall that might not be visible from ground level. The image shows only one vehicle entrance found in the southwest corner.
Image Two shows the detail of the buildings' sides. This image shows no entrance from the southern wall. The walls obscure any visibility of the buildings from ground level. The inner streets are wider than the highway lanes. Very few cars are seen inside. Most of the buildings are about two to three floors tall. This image shows another entrance in the northwest wall, walk-in only.
Image Three shows the eastern building in greater detail. Very few crowds are standing in the center of the Red Square. They seem to follow the border of the Square. The crowd is also lining up near a wall tower on the left side of image three. This must be a second walk-in entrance into the Kremlin. This image indicates that only the top floor is visible from a ground level view.
Looking at Image One and Three, there might be a third walk-in entrance on the north side of image one and on the left on image three. Image one shows the corner of the inner road touching the wall where a tower is situated. One the bottom left of image three, the tower is very similar to the other tower entrance on the right. The problem in this image is that the tower is blocked by a building in front of the camera.
Shortcomings
In Image One, what is noticeable in the Kremlin is that there are few parking spaces visible. There is no way of knowing how many people might be working withing the walls. While Image Two shows the best detail, very little activity is seen in this image. The entrances themselves are covered, so there is no way of knowing how many are guarding the entrances and what styles of gates they use. The smaller towers in the walls hide any guards or observers watching the wall.
Image Three might be more useful for visitors, knowing which way the crowd flows. It does show the size of the crowd visiting the Red Square. This picture alone shows no paths within the walls.
Summary
The images might have more value if studied as a group. Images Two and Three give a bitter perspective on how high the wall is compared to the people and vehicles. Image One hos a better view of the layout of the building and roads. Each image adds more meaning to the other.
Kremlin - Image Two - Aerial
Kremlin - Image Three - Aerial
The subject of the IMINT project is the Moscow Kremlin. There are three images used for the project. image one is a satellite image from Google Maps. The area is triangular shaped with walls surrounding a majority of the land. Within the walls are various buildings, many of them having inner courtyards. Image two is an aerial image, obtained from Wikipedia, showing the southern wall of the Kremlin. Image three is another aerial view, found in Wikipedia's image database, showing the eastern wall that faces Russia's Red Square.
Usefulness
Looking at Image One, the Kremlin has very few entrances. The wall completely surrounds the buildings. There are numerous trees blocking the northwest wall. The southern wall is bordered by a highway and a river. The eastern wall is directly across the Red Square. There is visitor parking near the lower part of the eastern wall.
The satellite image shows the inner streets hidden by the wall, and trails inside and outside the Kremlin wall that might not be visible from ground level. The image shows only one vehicle entrance found in the southwest corner.
Image Two shows the detail of the buildings' sides. This image shows no entrance from the southern wall. The walls obscure any visibility of the buildings from ground level. The inner streets are wider than the highway lanes. Very few cars are seen inside. Most of the buildings are about two to three floors tall. This image shows another entrance in the northwest wall, walk-in only.
Image Three shows the eastern building in greater detail. Very few crowds are standing in the center of the Red Square. They seem to follow the border of the Square. The crowd is also lining up near a wall tower on the left side of image three. This must be a second walk-in entrance into the Kremlin. This image indicates that only the top floor is visible from a ground level view.
Looking at Image One and Three, there might be a third walk-in entrance on the north side of image one and on the left on image three. Image one shows the corner of the inner road touching the wall where a tower is situated. One the bottom left of image three, the tower is very similar to the other tower entrance on the right. The problem in this image is that the tower is blocked by a building in front of the camera.
Shortcomings
In Image One, what is noticeable in the Kremlin is that there are few parking spaces visible. There is no way of knowing how many people might be working withing the walls. While Image Two shows the best detail, very little activity is seen in this image. The entrances themselves are covered, so there is no way of knowing how many are guarding the entrances and what styles of gates they use. The smaller towers in the walls hide any guards or observers watching the wall.
Image Three might be more useful for visitors, knowing which way the crowd flows. It does show the size of the crowd visiting the Red Square. This picture alone shows no paths within the walls.
Summary
The images might have more value if studied as a group. Images Two and Three give a bitter perspective on how high the wall is compared to the people and vehicles. Image One hos a better view of the layout of the building and roads. Each image adds more meaning to the other.
AK-47 Designer Celebrates 90th Birthday
Moscow – Mikhail Kalashnikov celebrated his 90th birthday on Tuesday as he was honored for designing the AK-47. Kalashnikov was awarded Russia’s highest honor, the Hero of the Russian Federation Medal. Kalashnikov said he would continue working as a military designer for the Russian Federation.Kalashnikov began working on a design for a better rifle in a hospital after being wounded in combat in 1941 during the Nazi invasion. He finished his design in 1947, which is part of the rifle’s name Automat Kalashnikov 47 (automat meaning automatic rifle).
The rifle became standard issue in the Soviet army as well as one of the Soviet Union’s major exports. More than 100 million rifles have been sold world wide. However, about 80 percent of the rifles circulating the world are illegal copies which add up to $2 billion in lost sales. The most popular weapon for terrorist, the iconic image of the AK-47 (a.k.a. the Kalashnikov) is used in the flags of Mozambique and Hizbullah.
Source:
Father of Kalashnikov assault rifles celebrates 90th birthday
Father of the AK-47 receives Russia's top honor
Russia Licenses the AK-47
Moscow – Rosoboronexports, Russian state-run arms exports, said that ten countries have applied for licenses to construct plants to manufacture Kalashnikov weapons.
A majority of the countries are in Latin America and the Middle East. Two known countries interested in licenses are China and Venezuela. Venezuela has agreements for two plants. One is to create Kalashnikov rifles and the other to create its ammunition.
Russia is making up for its loss of sales from the illegally manufactured AK-47 copies mostly in the former Soviet states.
Source:
Ten countries to build Kalashnikov assault rifle producing plants
Russia to build 2 Kalashnikov factories in Venezuela by 2010
Russia, China draft Kalashnikov copyright deal
A majority of the countries are in Latin America and the Middle East. Two known countries interested in licenses are China and Venezuela. Venezuela has agreements for two plants. One is to create Kalashnikov rifles and the other to create its ammunition.
Russia is making up for its loss of sales from the illegally manufactured AK-47 copies mostly in the former Soviet states.
Source:
Ten countries to build Kalashnikov assault rifle producing plants
Russia to build 2 Kalashnikov factories in Venezuela by 2010
Russia, China draft Kalashnikov copyright deal
Bout Using American Shell Companies
Viktor Bout, illegal arms trader, has been linked to numerous shell companies that he used as legitimate business fronts to conduct his operations. Bout is only one of many arms/drug traffickers and money launderers who have used U.S. companies to conceal their activities.
Investigators were able to link a Delaware based holding company to Bout. The company operated in the late 90s selling cargo planes to the Taliban government of Afghanistan.
U.S. officials blame the lenient state laws for not requiring the name and information of the owner before a company is established. The setback preventing any change is the source of funding to collect company information as investigate possible criminal activity.
Source:
Lax laws allow US companies to be used for crimes
Investigators were able to link a Delaware based holding company to Bout. The company operated in the late 90s selling cargo planes to the Taliban government of Afghanistan.
U.S. officials blame the lenient state laws for not requiring the name and information of the owner before a company is established. The setback preventing any change is the source of funding to collect company information as investigate possible criminal activity.
Source:
Lax laws allow US companies to be used for crimes
Gadhafi to Purchase Jet Fighters from Russia
Libya – Colonel Moammar Gadhafi is planning on purchasing 12 to 15 Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighters, four Su-30 Flanker-C, and six Yakovlev Yak-130 combat training aircraft. The contracts with Rosoboronexport, Russian state-run arms exports, could be signed before the year ends or by early next year.Libya’s arsenal is composed of old Soviet bought weapons that are now obsolete. During the 80s and 90s, Libya was considered a supporter of terrorist groups such as the IRA, and for a while had a nuclear weapons programme. Since abandoning the programme in December 2003, Gadhafi has been concerned in obtaining modern weapons. During a visit to Moscow by Gadhafi in November 2008, Putin agreed to write off his Soviet debt of $4.5 billion in exchange for energy and arms deals with Libya.
Libya is the latest country of the Arab states of North Africa (the Maghreb) to join the region’s arms race. Since 2006, the Maghreb states, including Algeria and Morocco, have been signing contract with arms exporting states in order to improve their own arsenals.
Source:
Libya shopping for Russian arms
04 November 2009
Russia ICBM Launch Creates Controversy
Barents Sea – Russia test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on November 1 while submerged. The Defense Ministry claims the missiles hit their target successfully. Russia is developing a new ICBM called the Bulava in order to add them to its arsenal.
US officials are arguing that this test-launch violates the START agreement, which calls for the reduction of nuclear missiles and methods of delivery. The US and Russia are currently working on a new START agreement before the end of the year.
Sources:
Russian submarine successfully test-launches ballistic missile
Dmitry Donskoy submarine prepares for future Bulava missile tests
Russia Accused of Violating Arms Treaty
Background:
START Expiration Date: December 5
US officials are arguing that this test-launch violates the START agreement, which calls for the reduction of nuclear missiles and methods of delivery. The US and Russia are currently working on a new START agreement before the end of the year.
Sources:
Russian submarine successfully test-launches ballistic missile
Dmitry Donskoy submarine prepares for future Bulava missile tests
Russia Accused of Violating Arms Treaty
Background:
START Expiration Date: December 5
Arctic Sea to Deliver Shipment
Malta – The Arctic Sea, believed to be hijacked by pirates, prepares to set sail on Thursday to finish its original mission. The ship is carrying $2 million worth of lumber headed for Algeria.
The Arctic Sea is currently being held in Malta, where Russian investigators released control over the ship after an investigation found no weapons. Fifteen sailors have been sent back to Russia, including the four who stayed on board. Fourteen new sailors have flown in to Malta to continue the journey.
Sources:
Arctic Sea to resume voyage on Thursday
New crew flies from Russia to Malta to replace Arctic Sea sailors
Background:
Three Tales at Sea
The Arctic Sea is currently being held in Malta, where Russian investigators released control over the ship after an investigation found no weapons. Fifteen sailors have been sent back to Russia, including the four who stayed on board. Fourteen new sailors have flown in to Malta to continue the journey.
Sources:
Arctic Sea to resume voyage on Thursday
New crew flies from Russia to Malta to replace Arctic Sea sailors
Background:
Three Tales at Sea
Arms Cargo Blocked by Police
Ukraine – Police stop an escorted Russian truck carrying anti-ship missiles on Tuesday. The missiles were being taken for decommissioning, but Ukrainian police said that Russia’s Black Sea fleet had not coordinated any actions with the Ukrainian Navy. The Black Sea Fleet claims the police were not informed by the Ukrainian Navy and that they had documents allowing them to transport weapons for decommissioning.
The Russian Navy has been operating in Ukraine under a 1997 lease agreement which expires 2017. Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko seems more than eager to let the agreement expire.
Sources:
Ukrainian police stop Russian military cargo
Russia, Ukraine not seeking changes to Black Sea Fleet deal
The Russian Navy has been operating in Ukraine under a 1997 lease agreement which expires 2017. Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko seems more than eager to let the agreement expire.
Sources:
Ukrainian police stop Russian military cargo
Russia, Ukraine not seeking changes to Black Sea Fleet deal
28 October 2009
S-300 Delivery On-Hold
On October 31, A Russian defense industry official said they would lose about $1 billion if the contract with Iran to deliver S-300 surface-to-air missile systems was not carried out. They claim the S-300 is a defensive weapon system.
One week later, Sergei Ivanov, a deputy prime minister, responded by saying they are not supplying Iran with S-300s and there are no supplies of S-300s in Russia currently. They do plan on carrying out the contract signed in 2005. Israel has expressed concern over the missiles since they would deter any possible Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Sources:
(Reliability: 6)
(Reliability: 6)
Comment: The S-300 SAM systems are the same weapons thought to be the illegal cargo in the center of the Arctic Sea 'hijacking'. The Arctic Sea is currently being transferred to Malta.
Arms Caches Appear Across Caucasus Region
Russian police found what they call an arms cache in a dugout in Kabardino-Balkaria on Saturday 24. The dugout is believed to hold ten militants. In the dugout police found two home-made explosives, four detonating fuses, dishes, construction tools, two gas canisters, religious literature and weopons instructions.
On Tuesday 20, Russian managed to find another arms cache in Ingushetia. The cache was made up of seven grenades used in grenade launchers, two hand grenades, and ammunition. Terrorist attacks continue to plague that region of Russia, including Chechnya. The civil unrest is due to the Northern Caucasus wanting independence from Russia.
Sources:
Police discover arms cache in south Russia
(Reliability: 7)
Kadyrov Again Declares Victory as Rebel Attacks Continue
(Reliability: 5)
.svg){kind=link}
On Tuesday 20, Russian managed to find another arms cache in Ingushetia. The cache was made up of seven grenades used in grenade launchers, two hand grenades, and ammunition. Terrorist attacks continue to plague that region of Russia, including Chechnya. The civil unrest is due to the Northern Caucasus wanting independence from Russia.
.svg){kind=link}
.svg){kind=link}
Sources:
Police discover arms cache in south Russia
(Reliability: 7)
Kadyrov Again Declares Victory as Rebel Attacks Continue
(Reliability: 5)
France's Elite Arms Trade
Forty-two politicians, businessmen, and Paris elite have been brought to court over the charges of illegal arms trafficking and money laundering in the past year. Israeli businessman Arkadi Gaydamak and his associate Pierre Falcone were handed six year jail sentences. Born in Russia, Gaydamak is thought to have fled to Russia months before the trial.
Gaydamak's trade with Angola, which began in 1993, helped to support Eduardo Dos Santos' government during a civil war with the Angolan movement known as UNITA, backed up by the US. The arsenal included 420 tanks, 150,000 shells, 170,000 anti-personnel mines, 12 helicopters and six warships.
Other men involved in the trade were Charles Pasqua, former interior minister, and Jean-Christophe Mitterrand, sone of the late president Francois Mitterrand.
Sources:
Jail terms for 'Angola-gate' guilty
(Reliability: 7)
Gaydamak sentenced to 6 years in jail
(Reliability: 8)
Gaydamak's trade with Angola, which began in 1993, helped to support Eduardo Dos Santos' government during a civil war with the Angolan movement known as UNITA, backed up by the US. The arsenal included 420 tanks, 150,000 shells, 170,000 anti-personnel mines, 12 helicopters and six warships.
Other men involved in the trade were Charles Pasqua, former interior minister, and Jean-Christophe Mitterrand, sone of the late president Francois Mitterrand.
Sources:
Jail terms for 'Angola-gate' guilty
(Reliability: 7)
Gaydamak sentenced to 6 years in jail
(Reliability: 8)
21 October 2009
What is Russia Hiding?
Thailand – Russia is going all out in keeping Viktor Bout out of the US. The Russians have offered oil deals, and Thailand recently purchased six Mi-17 helicopters at $9 million each.
Russia’s goal is to have Bout released from lock-up in order to keep him silent. There are various high-ranking individuals in the Russian government involved in Bout’s activities. Russians fear that Bout will give names under US captivity.
Russia’s goal is to have Bout released from lock-up in order to keep him silent. There are various high-ranking individuals in the Russian government involved in Bout’s activities. Russians fear that Bout will give names under US captivity.
Sources:
(Reliability: 8)
14 October 2009
START Expiration Date: December 5
Russia and the US are working to renew the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) which expires on 5 December 2009. Both nations agreed on a reduction of nuclear warheads to 1,500-1,675 and a reduction of means to deliver nuclear weapons to 500-1,110.
While the START discussions continue, the US is expressing concerns over Iran's nuclear development program. Russia is reluctant to set nuclear sanctions against Iran. The P5+1 (Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US) is still working on suspending Iran's nuclear program after a year without progress.
Source:
United States, Russia Making Progress on Arms Reduction Treaty
Putin Says Iran Sanctions Talk Premature
While the START discussions continue, the US is expressing concerns over Iran's nuclear development program. Russia is reluctant to set nuclear sanctions against Iran. The P5+1 (Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US) is still working on suspending Iran's nuclear program after a year without progress.
Source:
United States, Russia Making Progress on Arms Reduction Treaty
Putin Says Iran Sanctions Talk Premature
Pre-emptive Nuclear Strike
Russia reconsiders use of nuclear strikes to repel aggression from neighboring threats. Russia says they reserve the right to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike. At the moment, Russia officials are reviewing "a variety of possibilities for using nuclear force," says Nikolai Patrushev, Presidential Security Council chief. With the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) replacement still under discussion, Russian officials argue that reorganizing their nuclear launch protocol does not conflict with the reduction of nuclear arms.
Source:
Russia to allow pre-emptive nukes
Source:
Russia to allow pre-emptive nukes
The Viktor Bout Documents
The Federation of American Scientists posted a few documents made public after Viktor Bout's arrest. The documents include an email that Bout had set up to communicate with a DEA agent pretending to be a member of FARC, and a map showing radar stations. Bout and his accomplice Andrew Smulian were arrested in Thailand in March 2008.
Among the documents was a list of weapons Bout was planning to deliver. They include anti-aircraft missiles, AK-47s, unmanned aerial vehicles, 10 million 7.62 x 54 ammunition, and RPG rocket launchers. They were to be air-dropped into FARC controlled territory.
Source:
Documents obtained by FAS shed some light on Viktor Bout case, but key questions remain
Among the documents was a list of weapons Bout was planning to deliver. They include anti-aircraft missiles, AK-47s, unmanned aerial vehicles, 10 million 7.62 x 54 ammunition, and RPG rocket launchers. They were to be air-dropped into FARC controlled territory.
Source:
Documents obtained by FAS shed some light on Viktor Bout case, but key questions remain
07 October 2009
Real IRA Trial
Lithuania – Michael Campbell is taken to court for attempting to buy arms and explosives for the Real IRA, splinter group of the IRA. His arrest comes from an effort between British and Lithuanian police to lower the amount of gun trafficking.
Campbell’s brother Liam Campbell, Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt and two other men were found liable for the Omagh car bomb on August 15, 1998 in Northern Ireland.
Campbell's arrest was the result of a joint operation between British and Lithuanian police. According to Romas Svagzdys, Lithuanian Police Firearms expert, "All guns and explosives are coming in from Russia, especially from Soviet times."
Source:
Real IRA Suspect On Trial Over Lithuania Arms
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Real-IRA-Suspect-Michael-Campbell-Goes-On-Trial-In-Lithuania-Accused-Of-Trying-To-Buy-Weapons/Article/200910115400826?lpos=World_News_First_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15400826_Real_IRA_Suspect_Michael_Campbell_Goes_On_Trial_In_Lithuania_Accused_Of_Trying_To_Buy_Weapons
Campbell’s brother Liam Campbell, Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt and two other men were found liable for the Omagh car bomb on August 15, 1998 in Northern Ireland.
Campbell's arrest was the result of a joint operation between British and Lithuanian police. According to Romas Svagzdys, Lithuanian Police Firearms expert, "All guns and explosives are coming in from Russia, especially from Soviet times."
Source:
Real IRA Suspect On Trial Over Lithuania Arms
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Real-IRA-Suspect-Michael-Campbell-Goes-On-Trial-In-Lithuania-Accused-Of-Trying-To-Buy-Weapons/Article/200910115400826?lpos=World_News_First_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15400826_Real_IRA_Suspect_Michael_Campbell_Goes_On_Trial_In_Lithuania_Accused_Of_Trying_To_Buy_Weapons
Reaction to Illegal Arms Trade in Africa
Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni torched 3,500 illegal guns on Monday at the start of the East African Peace and Security Conference. Uganda suffers from the proliferation of illegal guns.
The Uganda government has been active in reducing the amount of illegal guns in the country. In 2006, 57,000 guns were smelted in Jinja, and 3,000 guns were destroyed in Kampala in 2005.
Many arms traffickers manage to import illegal arms, especially the AK-47 (a.k.a. Kalashnikov), into Africa’s conflict zones. “The AK-47 remains the dreaded symbol of instability, insecurity, violence and death across the region.” Daily Monitor
Source:
Do more to reduce illicit guns in society
http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/opinions/Do_more_to_reduce_illicit_guns_in_society_92495.shtml
The Uganda government has been active in reducing the amount of illegal guns in the country. In 2006, 57,000 guns were smelted in Jinja, and 3,000 guns were destroyed in Kampala in 2005.
Many arms traffickers manage to import illegal arms, especially the AK-47 (a.k.a. Kalashnikov), into Africa’s conflict zones. “The AK-47 remains the dreaded symbol of instability, insecurity, violence and death across the region.” Daily Monitor
Source:
Do more to reduce illicit guns in society
http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/opinions/Do_more_to_reduce_illicit_guns_in_society_92495.shtml
Russian Arms Bankruptcy
Russian arms manufacturer Izhmash (Izhevsk Mechanical Works) faces bankruptcy from legal and mostly illegal copies of the AK-47 Kalashnikov. According to the World Bank, out of 500 million total firearms world wide in 2007, 100 million were Kalashnikov related and 75 million were AK-47s.
Founded in 1807 by the Czarist government, Izhmash is the original producer of AK-47s, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947. Izhmash granted licenses to companies in soviet countries for the support of rebel movements by the Kremlin. Those countries found it cheaper to respect patent laws than to steal their design, but the patent laws were mostly ignored. Russia now has a hard time enforcing those laws.
Sources:
Kalashnikov maker faces bankruptcy
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/10/07/Kalashnikov-maker-faces-bankruptcy/UPI-95111254931260/
The Curse Of The AK-47
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmurph/articles/20091003.aspx
Founded in 1807 by the Czarist government, Izhmash is the original producer of AK-47s, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947. Izhmash granted licenses to companies in soviet countries for the support of rebel movements by the Kremlin. Those countries found it cheaper to respect patent laws than to steal their design, but the patent laws were mostly ignored. Russia now has a hard time enforcing those laws.
Sources:
Kalashnikov maker faces bankruptcy
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/10/07/Kalashnikov-maker-faces-bankruptcy/UPI-95111254931260/
The Curse Of The AK-47
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmurph/articles/20091003.aspx
30 September 2009
Arms Trafficker Gains Advantage in Thai Court
Thailand – Bangkok Criminal Court denied Colombia’s appeal to extradite Viktor Bout after he was arrested during a Unites States (US) led sting operation on March 2008. Viktor Bout, 42 (a.k.a. Merchant of Death), is a former Russian army officer arrested for conspiring to sell weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC). Bout’s illegal arms business has been linked to Liberian Dictator Charles Taylor and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
In the letter sent to the Thailand court, Colombia lists 607 reasons why FARC should be considered a terrorist group. The court has decided otherwise, stating that FARC is a political group since it controls a population within its own territory.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has sided with Bout, saying that they will give Bout all the support he needs. They are hoping the Thailand court does not reverse its decision not to extradite Bout to the US.
Source:http://en.rian.ru/world/20090924/156237983.html
Colombia appeals to Thai court in 'merchant of death' case
In the letter sent to the Thailand court, Colombia lists 607 reasons why FARC should be considered a terrorist group. The court has decided otherwise, stating that FARC is a political group since it controls a population within its own territory.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has sided with Bout, saying that they will give Bout all the support he needs. They are hoping the Thailand court does not reverse its decision not to extradite Bout to the US.
Source:http://en.rian.ru/world/20090924/156237983.html
Colombia appeals to Thai court in 'merchant of death' case
Three Tales at Sea
On July 22, the Arctic Sea set off on a trip from Jakobstad, Finland to Bejaia, Algeria carrying a load of timber. The Arctic Sea was stationed in Kaliningrad before picking up its load. On July 24, the Arctic Sea was ‘hijacked’ by Russian ‘pirates’. On July 30, the ship sailed through the English Channel where it disappears, bringing about an international search for the vessel. The ship was later discovered on August 17 about 300 miles off Cape Verde Islands by a Russian naval frigate. According to Russian investigators, eight ethnic Russian ‘pirates’ from Estonia and Latvia seized the Arctic Sea and ordered the crew to sail for Africa.
One of the captured ‘pirates’, Dmitry Bartenev, 41, gives a different perspective to the story. Bartenev and his seven friends were recruited by a mysterious businessman named “Vladimir”. The men relocated to Pärnu, Estonia on July 16 for an unnamed ecological organization. “Vladimir” gave them a rubber-hulled boat and told them to sail the Baltic Sea while filming ships that were dumping trash into the sea. They had previously seen the Arctic Sea boarded by men appearing to be Russian Special Forces. A wave damaged the boat and the men were rescued by the Arctic Sea, where they spent three weeks on board drinking liquor and relaxing. They had seen the Russian frigate days before they were arrested, and the crew of the Arctic Sea reacted by nervously offering more liquor to the eight men.
There is another theory suggesting that the eight men were recruited by Mossad, Israeli Intelligence, to apply pressure on the Arctic Sea believing that it was secretly carrying S-300 anti-aircraft interceptors. The interceptors are thought to have been loaded in Kaliningrad and headed for Iran. Iran currently has an unfulfilled contract with Russia for S-300s, which would deter any air strikes from Israel.
Source:http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/24/arctic-sea-russia-pirates
Was the cargo ship Arctic Sea really hijacked by pirates?
One of the captured ‘pirates’, Dmitry Bartenev, 41, gives a different perspective to the story. Bartenev and his seven friends were recruited by a mysterious businessman named “Vladimir”. The men relocated to Pärnu, Estonia on July 16 for an unnamed ecological organization. “Vladimir” gave them a rubber-hulled boat and told them to sail the Baltic Sea while filming ships that were dumping trash into the sea. They had previously seen the Arctic Sea boarded by men appearing to be Russian Special Forces. A wave damaged the boat and the men were rescued by the Arctic Sea, where they spent three weeks on board drinking liquor and relaxing. They had seen the Russian frigate days before they were arrested, and the crew of the Arctic Sea reacted by nervously offering more liquor to the eight men.
There is another theory suggesting that the eight men were recruited by Mossad, Israeli Intelligence, to apply pressure on the Arctic Sea believing that it was secretly carrying S-300 anti-aircraft interceptors. The interceptors are thought to have been loaded in Kaliningrad and headed for Iran. Iran currently has an unfulfilled contract with Russia for S-300s, which would deter any air strikes from Israel.
Source:http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/24/arctic-sea-russia-pirates
Was the cargo ship Arctic Sea really hijacked by pirates?
Estonian Operation leads to Ten Arrests
Estonian Security Police (KaPo) detained ten people for illegally storing weapons and ammunition last week. Most of the men have a history of illegal arms trafficking, including explosives.
Nine have been placed under six-month detention, while one has been released on lack of evidence regarding any change of residence. An investigation is underway to determine how far the business had spread, and if there was any trade conducted with organized crime members.
The KaPo was able to secure “49.29 kilograms of ammunition, dozens of explosives items, about 200 bomb components, 76 firearms, as well as hundreds of firearms parts.”
Source: http://www.axisglobe.com/article.asp?article=1913
Estonia’s Security Police detained large group of arms dealers
Nine have been placed under six-month detention, while one has been released on lack of evidence regarding any change of residence. An investigation is underway to determine how far the business had spread, and if there was any trade conducted with organized crime members.
The KaPo was able to secure “49.29 kilograms of ammunition, dozens of explosives items, about 200 bomb components, 76 firearms, as well as hundreds of firearms parts.”
Source: http://www.axisglobe.com/article.asp?article=1913
Estonia’s Security Police detained large group of arms dealers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)