Brazil reports rise in rifle seizures and loss of 12,000 registered firearms

In Brazil, law enforcement and researchers are highlighting significant trends regarding the flow of firearms into criminal hands. The Military Police reported reaching a milestone of 500 rifles seized in 2026, a 15% increase compared to the 435 rifles recovered during the same period in 2025. High seizure rates were noted in several Rio de Janeiro units, including the 41st BPM in Irajá, which recorded 91 seizures.

Parallel to these seizures, data reveals that over 12,000 firearms registered to Collectors, Shooters, and Hunters (CACs) were lost, stolen, or robbed across Brazil between January 2022 and July 2025. Of these 12,054 occurrences, 5,387 were reported lost, 4,864 were stolen, and 1,803 were robbed.

Research from the Instituto Sou da Paz, published via the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, indicates that the domestic legal market is a predominant source for the illicit arms trade. The study identifies three main supply channels for the illegal market: diversions from the legal domestic market, international trafficking, and clandestine manufacturing. Diversions often occur through theft, robbery, or the use of intermediaries to move legally acquired weapons into criminal sectors.