Nine suspects charged following alleged arms trafficking between Oise and Switzerland

Beauvais – 15 July 2026: Suspicion is directed at a network that investigators say allegedly obtained weapons in Switzerland and distributed them in France. Nine people, including a police officer, were charged at the end of June in a case involving alleged trafficking in weapons of war. Eight of them are being held in pre-trial detention.

The investigation began in April at the Beauvais public prosecutor’s office. The Lille public prosecutor’s office has since taken over the case. According to information disclosed so far, investigators see indications of an organised structure for the manufacture and sale of weapons of war. The focus of the activities is believed to have been in the Paris region, although the connections extended to Switzerland.

During an operation on 23 June, French police arrested twelve people, ten in France and two in Switzerland. Police units from three French departments took part in the operation; Swiss authorities and Europol also participated. Three days later, nine suspects were brought before an investigating judge and formally charged.

They are accused, among other things, of the unauthorised possession, manufacture and trafficking of military equipment, weapons, ammunition and essential weapon parts in Categories A and B as part of an organised operation. They are also suspected of participation in a criminal association. These allegations are the subject of ongoing proceedings; only a court can determine guilt or innocence.

According to investigative authorities, the suspects also include a police officer. He is accused of supporting the alleged network by accessing protected files. He and the suspect identified as the alleged leader of the group are also suspected of corruption and handling stolen goods. No names were released.

During searches in France, officers reportedly seized 23 firearms, including numerous converted or modified weapons. Grenades, explosive charges and detonators were also found. More than 100,000 euros in cash and three vehicles were seized. It is not yet known whether, or to what extent, the seized items had already been used in criminal offences.

The case shows how closely security authorities must cooperate in cross-border arms trafficking. Investigators must now clarify supply routes, possible buyers and the precise role of each individual suspect. Further investigative steps and possible court decisions are still pending.