Illegal weapon smuggling is going big by Corina Ciubotaru

Night vision goggles and body armor are some of the most frequently smuggled pieces of army equipment and now American authorities are becoming concerned. The number of suspicious contacts with US defense firms has increased by 46 percent last year and some are fearful the weapons will end up in the wrong hands, especially in countries like China and Iran. Materials being used to create Improvised Explosive Devices have been in high demand since the attacks on September 11th 2001, the moment that sparked America's interest in fighting terrorists on their own ground. Parts of F-14 fighter planes are also being sold illegally and most likely destined for Iran, which is suspected of trying to acquire information about nuclear weapons as well. And since their not easily convinced to give up their nuclear program, proof of attempts to build things like that would not come as a surprise. The Justice Department will create a special task force destined to stop illegal weapon deals, known as the National Counter-Proliferation Initiative. Trials against weapon dealers are usually long, complex and expensive so prosecutors in this new department will be highly trained in dealing with cases involving exports and weapons. Some people have been charged though in cases like this, including and Indonesian man from Wisconsin who is believed to have helped smuggle weapon parts to Indonesia, another man in California who tried to send 100,000 Uzi rifles to Iran, while two other men also from California were found guilty of sending illegal military software to China.

related story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071012/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/terror_exports;_ylt=AiTrpa9MwrlZqEBPbh.aXxas0NUE

by Corina Ciubotaru for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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