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Criminal Markets
Illicit Firearms
Most organized crime groups in Canada are known to be involved in some aspect of the illicit firearms market and have access to firearms when needed. Some groups are involved in smuggling and trafficking but for many it is not a main activity.
Domestically sourced firearms are mainly obtained from residential and, to a lesser extent, commercial thefts. Members of organized crime are known to identify and target legitimate firearms owners, in particular those with large collections. Other known sources of domestic illicit firearms are guns that were previously registered under the former Restricted Weapon Registration System (RWRS) and not re-registered under the current Canadian Firearms Information System (CFIS), unregistered and deactivated firearms, as well as diversions from legitimate industry.
Firearms that have been smuggled into Canada come from a number of foreign countries, however, the vast majority are known to originate from the United States. A regional link exists between provinces where smuggled firearms are recovered and US source states (e.g. Ontario and Michigan). These links have remained consistent over recent years."The Canadian Forces, like any other community, is subject to the effects of organized crime. The use of an intelligence-led policing approach will assist us in combating the reach of these organizations into the CF."
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, Colonel T.D. Grubb
Criminal Market: Intellectual Property Rights Crime
