Authorities in St. Petersburg have dismantled an illegal arms trafficking channel, leading to the arrest of three individuals. The operation, conducted by the regional Criminal Investigation Department, resulted in the seizure of a significant arsenal of weapons and ammunition.

The investigation began in the spring when detectives discovered a 42-year-old St. Petersburg resident, employed at a tire shop, was selling weapons. He allegedly sold a converted Makarov pistol, 56 rounds of ammunition, a hunting rifle, and 10 hunting cartridges to two men. The seized arsenal was confirmed to be combat-ready, leading to the opening of two criminal cases related to illegal weapons and ammunition trafficking.

Further investigation revealed a larger scheme involving multiple individuals. A 69-year-old resident of the Frunzensky district allegedly obtained the weapons and operated a metalworking workshop in a non-residential space on Revolutsii Highway. Here, he converted and repaired weapons. A 54-year-old resident of Koltushi, Vsevolozhsky district, was allegedly responsible for storing the finished weapons.

The group reportedly operated through trusted connections, procuring various weapons for a substantial fee. On July 28, all three suspects were apprehended.

During the searches of the suspects’ properties, authorities discovered a cache of weapons, including a Makarov pistol, two Glock 19 pistols, a Shpagin submachine gun, a Grand Power pistol, and components for these weapons. Over one thousand rounds of ammunition, gunpowder, and 12 rifled barrels for rifles were also seized. The entire arsenal has been sent for examination.