The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...

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Tracing requests are normally completed on paper by individual
officers in the field and then sent by fax to their NCB. Alternatively, copies
of the IWETS proforma can be made available at local sites with access to
the FRT, and then be sent by internal E-mail to their NCB. (For these
purposes, the FRT can be made available via a secure Website, so that all
officials can gain access to it via local Internet channels and search the
Tables to validate their tracing request). Where necessary, the NCB will
transcribe the information on to the electronic IWETS proforma and then
forward it on to Interpol Headquarters in Lyon, France. There is also scope
to add high-resolution digital photographs. Interpol HQ will then forward
the tracing request to whichever countries are specified by the requesting
NCB. They will also retain the information for analytical purposes looking
to link recoveries to others notified centrally via the IWETS system.
Depending on whether systems in the search countries are manual or
computerized, enquiries will be checked, either on the automated national
record-keeping system, or forwarded to the local police to inspect the
records of the next person identified in the chain of ownership. Once a
potential illicit source has been identified, no further executive action will
be taken in the suspect’s home country until the procedures for judicial
cooperation and mutual legal assistance have been complied with.
However, where offences in the home country are evident, then a local
arrest and prosecution may take precedence. Depending on the seriousness
of the case, the suspect can be extradited to face trial in other countries.
3.10 INITIATING TRACING REQUESTS
As previously outlined, there are two principle reasons for tracing:
1. To identify and prosecute those involved in arms trafficking, and/or
2. To disrupt the supply of illicit weapons.
(There is an additional reason for tracing, which is to gain intelligence about
specific aspects of the “black” and “grey” arms markets: 16 the individuals
and States involved in illicit trafficking; the routes taken, communications
and methodology, including finance and money laundering).
However, prior to reaching a stage where tracing can begin, there are
some fundamental questions to be answered before law enforcement
agencies can cross the threshold for multi-jurisdictional mutual legal
assistance. The most critical is providing grounds for a reasonable suspicion