Almost 6,000 weapons belonging to CACs (hunters, shooters, and collectors) were the target of robbery, theft, or loss and the deviations were reported by the owners to the Army, responsible for supervising the group from 2018 to 2023. In 2023, already under Lula’s management (PT), there were 1,259 notifications. This means an increase of 68% compared to the 750 deviations reported in 2018, the year before Jair Bolsonaro (PL) became president and the implementation of his arms policy.
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Greatest Records
The 1st Military Region, covering the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, and the 3rd Military Region, which encompasses Rio Grande do Sul, record the largest quantities of diverted weapons. These federation units also stand out among those with the highest concentrations of weapons.
Biggest Increases
The largest proportional increases in diverted weapons occurred in regions that historically had no tradition in sports shooting and hunting, but which experienced rapid growth, such as the 12th Military Region, which comprises the states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, and Roraima.
Underreporting
Experts point out that there is an underreporting of data. This is because although notification to the Army is mandatory, this does not always happen, as omission does not constitute a crime.
Proof of this underreporting can be detected in the report from the Federal Audit Court (TCU). The document shows that at least 3,873 (8%) of the weapons seized by the police appeared in the Army system as CAC weapons from 2015 to 2020. Of this total, only 86 (2.2%) CAC weapons appeared in the Army system as stolen, seized, or lost.
Change in Control
According to the federal government’s schedule, responsibility for CACs, shooting clubs, and weapons stores will fall entirely to the Federal Police from 1 January 2025. Currently, the responsibility lies with the Army.
Analysis:
The growing number of weapons belonging to hunters, shooters, and collectors (CACs) that were the target of robbery, theft, or loss between 2018 and 2023 is a worrying indication of the lack of control and effective supervision over these weapons. Experts state that the increase in the number of weapons in the hands of CACs directly contributed to the increase in incidents, consequently fueling illegal trade.
Underreporting of deviations highlights significant gaps in the Army’s control system. The transfer of this responsibility to the Federal Police could represent a crucial change, with the potential to strengthen supervision and reduce embezzlement. However, it will be essential that the Federal Police establish a transparent monitoring system. In addition, effective cooperation between the various security agencies ensures that CAC weapons do not fall into the hands of criminals, avoiding a worsening of public security.
Sources: UOL.
