A dragnet put an end to the project of a heterogeneous group in Grenoble. On April 27, six men aged 33 to 69 were arrested. Their ambition? Use the 3D printing technology to make their own weapons. An initiative motivated by a pessimistic vision of society and preparation for a potential collapse, orchestrated by a curious mix of profiles.
What was the profile of these budding gunsmiths?
A surprising casting to say the least: the public prosecutor of GrenobleEtienne Manteaux, himself described the profiles as “atypical“. On one side, four men, aged 33 to 53, with clean criminal records but followers of the movement survivaliste (a movement where individuals actively prepare for future catastrophe or collapse of civilization).
On the other, the veteran duo of the group. Two men aged 66 and 69, already well known to the police for armed robberies. What they have in common with the youngest: a “fascination with weapons” which brought them together in this hazardous enterprise. An explosive cocktail between ideological preparation and experience of organized crime.
Does 3D technology make weapons manufacturing truly accessible?
The case perfectly illustrates the fantasy and reality of “do it yourself” armament. From one of the suspects, investigators seized a 3D printerdigital plans of handguns and even parts already printed. The project was therefore well advanced.
However, it is a fiasco technique. The prosecutor specified that their design “did not result in the creation of a complete and usable weapon”. The reason is simple: mainstream 3D printing cannot create crucial metal parts, like the barrel, capable of withstanding the explosion of an ammunition. Their failure is almost anecdotal. What really mattersit is this head-on collision between an ideology of distrust and a technology that has become banal.
What are the legal consequences for this group?
Despite the failure of their attempt to weapons manufacturingthe six individuals do not get away with nothing. The searches made it possible to discover a veritable small arsenal: category C weapons, elements of category B weapons such as cannons, and even a pistol Smith & Wesson very real, accompanied by its ammunition.
All were placed under judicial review while awaiting their judgment, set for June 24. The charges vary depending on their involvement. Three of the suspects will be tried for “criminal association“, a serious criminal qualification. The three others will answer for “possession of category B weapons”, which testifies to the nature of the material seized beyond the plastic parts of their armes ghosts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Were the 3D printed weapons functional?
No. The prosecutor confirmed that the project failed to create “a complete and usable weapon”, mainly because essential parts like the metal barrel cannot be produced by a standard 3D printer.
What is the survivalist movement?
Survivalism is a movement where individuals or groups actively prepare to survive possible future disasters, whether natural, economic, or social (such as civil war). This preparation often includes stockpiling food, learning survival skills, and sometimes, as here, acquiring weapons.
