In a June raid against right-wing extremist group Movimento Armilar Lusitano (MAL), Portuguese police discovered a cache of weapons, including several 3D-printed firearms (3DPFs). This marks the first time 3DPFs have been found in Portugal. 3DPFs have proven to be popular among extremists, particularly right-wing groups. The spread of 3DPFs in places like Europe, where gun ownership is uncommon and heavily restricted, is likely to present security forces with previously unseen challenges. MAL was formed in 2018 from a coalition of right-wing political groups. Similar to other such organizations, MAL successfully sought to recruit members of the local security forces to improve both their operational capacity and potentially infiltrate the state’s security apparatus.
In June, Portuguese Judicial Police working in collaboration with the National Counterterrorism Unit discovered several 3D-printed firearms (3DPFs) in a raid on a suspected cell of right-wing extremists, as part of “Operation Desarme 3D” (Operation Disarmament 3D) (Polícia Judiciária, June 17; Publico, June 17). The fact that the raid captured 3DPFs was significant, given that it was the first time such weapons were found in Portugal. This incident could portend the continuous spread of similar weapons in the country and throughout Europe, where prohibitions against the possession of firearms are generally understood to be fairly strict.
The guns belonged to a right-wing extremist group called Movimento Armilar Lusitano (MAL) (Portugal Resident, June 18). MAL was formed in 2018 from a coalition of right-wing political groups with the intention of establishing a unified political movement with an armed wing (SIC Notícias, June 17; Portugal Resident, June 18). Though the cell had no concrete plans for an attack, online communications revealed they eventually intended to target political institutions, such as São Bento Palace (where the Portuguese parliament is located) and Belém Palace (the residence of Portugal’s president), in addition to several politicians (SIC Notícias.
June 20). They also engaged in extensive preparations, which included manufacturing and acquiring explosives, bladed weapons, and firearms in addition to training with airsoft guns (SIC Notícias, June 17; Publico, June 17). Members of the group, including a growing number of youths, were active on Telegram and Signal (SIC Notícias, June 18; Expresso, June 20). Four 3D-printers were found in the raid alongside an FGC-9 rifle and a Harlot pistol. The firearms were reportedly fully functional and in good working condition (Publico, June 17).
No comments:
Post a Comment