3D-Printed Firearms: Portugal's Far-Right Terror Bust
Thwarted right-wing extremist plan in Portugal unveiled - Terrorist plot by far-right extremists foiled in Portugal
In the heart of Lisbon, Portuguese authorities smashed a far-right extremist group, Movimento Armilar Lusitano (MAL), that had amassed explosives, guns, some manufactured with 3D printers, ammunition, IT equipment, and weapons manufacturing tools. According to the Anti-Terror Unit (UNCT) of the criminal police, 6 individuals were arrested in a series of 15 raids across Lisbon and its suburbs [1].
These suspects, including a high-ranking police officer, were suspected of forming a terrorist organization, spreading hate speech, inciting violence, and illegal weapons possession [2]. The arrests highlighted the concern of law enforcement officials regarding the potential for widely accessible 3D printing technology to be exploited by extremist elements.
The quality and variety of the seized materials shocked Manuela Santos, the head of the UNCT. The extremists' arsenal included 3D-printed firearms and gun modification tools, evidence of their innovative approach to arming themselves [1]. In addition to neo-Nazi material, videos were discovered detailing the use of these 3D printers to build and modify weapons.
Portugal has witnessed a surge in illegal activities by far-right and anti-system groups in recent times, a trend that has escalated since the pandemic. With this terror cell set on attacking institutions like the parliament, the incident underscores the urgent need for more preventive measures [2].
"We are deeply concerned about the rise of far-right activities in Portugal," commented Kripo Director Luís Neves. "It's extremely dangerous when we're dealing with 3D-printed weapons," noted expert Cátia Moreira de Carvalho, an expert in violent extremism and radicalization in an interview with "Diario de Notícias".
This incident may prompt updates to legislation, as current laws do not adequately address 3D-printed firearms. Preventive strategies include enhancing legal provisions, strengthening intelligence gathering, improving inter-agency coordination, deploying advanced surveillance, countering extremist propaganda, and raising public awareness [3].
The incident in Portugal serves as a warning of the evolving threat posed by far-right extremism and the need for robust counter-terrorism responses. The involvement of an active police officer among the suspects highlights the importance of investigating institutional infiltration and complicity [4]. Portugal's political landscape, with parties like Chega holding significant parliamentary seats, adds a layer of complexity to the situation [5].
[1] YouTube
[2] The Guardian
[3] Open Democrats
[4] BBC
[5] European Commission
Portugal, 3D Printing, Lisbon, Far-Right Extremism, Terror Group, Police, Arrest, Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition, IT Equipment.
- The concerns of law enforcement officials about the potential misuse of 3D printing technology in the hands of extremist groups were heightened given the seizure of 3D-printed firearms by Portuguese authorities during the raid on the far-right terror group Movimento Armilar Lusitano (MAL).
- In light of the recent far-right terrorist cell bust in Portugal, there may be a need to revise the country's community and employment policies to address the evolving threat of 3D-printed firearms and strengthen counter-terrorism measures.
