The latest evidence suggests that Ukraine has become a thriving hub for organized arms trafficking. According to a recent report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), this poses a significant threat, writes the Global Initiative.

While the 2023 report on arms trafficking focused on the spread of so-called trophy weapons — primarily small arms and grenades — collected from the battlefield and sold in an ad hoc and unregulated manner, without criminal surveillance, by 2024, heavy weaponry supplied by pro-war countries had also reared its head on the illegal arms market.
In June 2024, anti-aircraft guns, American machine guns and American automatic rifles—previously restricted to use by special forces—also appeared in the weapons inventory of arms dealers. It was mainly soldiers who attempted to sell the decommissioned weapons.
The most shocking case involved an attempt to sell a 23mm anti-aircraft gun, the Zu-23-2, for $7,500. According to the Geneva-based Global Initiative think tank, given its size and capabilities, this weapon was likely sold on a larger arms market, possibly to terrorists or non-state armed groups. The gun can be mounted on a truck and is capable of shooting down aircraft or destroying armored vehicles.

Ukrainian Weapons Fetch High Prices on the Black Market
Contrary to general trends, the high-value weapons seized in June commanded steep prices. The black-market prices of weapons are recorded, showing that AK rifles in Ukraine were priced between $1,000 and $1,500 (approximately 400,000–600,000 HUF) in 2023 and 2024, according to GI-TOC sources. An American-made M240 machine gun was offered for sale at $8,000, while a Soviet-type AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher was priced at $6,000. Considering their capabilities, these prices were favorable for criminals.
According to the Global Initiative study, there are further indications that arms trafficking in Ukraine is becoming increasingly organized, with the involved groups amassing ever larger stockpiles.
For example, during a raid in Kyiv in September, authorities seized 132 rounds of ammunition for grenade launchers, along with other weapons and ammunition. Arms traffickers are expanding their operations across the country, moving closer to the European Union’s borders.
In Lviv, near the Polish border, authorities dismantled an arms trafficking network in August 2024, seizing 72 pistols, 20 assault rifles, 29 grenades, and nearly 49,000 rounds of ammunition.
The number of pistols is particularly striking, given that Ukrainian civilians are not legally allowed to purchase handguns. This restriction, along with their compact size, makes illegal handguns especially attractive to criminals.
Lviv is just 70 kilometers from the Polish border and close to several western Ukrainian regions with long-standing smuggling operations.
Ukraine Fails to Act Against Illegal Arms Trade
Despite repeated claims of efforts to curb arms trafficking—partly to maintain good relations with the West and secure financial and military aid — Ukraine has taken no substantive action against it.