The historical and legal aspect of combating illicit trafficking in firearms in Russia since the beginning of the 20th century (imperial and Soviet periods)

This article examines the historical aspect of combating the illegal circulation of firearms in the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation. It explores the development of legal regulation in this area, starting with the Criminal Code of 1903 and concluding with departmental normative acts of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs in the latter half of the 20th century. Special attention is paid to measures for controlling the circulation of firearms, including legislative restrictions, administrative procedures, and operational and investigative activities of law enforcement agencies. The article provides examples of regulatory documents governing the circulation of firearms, as well as historical events that influenced the rise in firearm-related crime (the 1917 Revolution, the Great Patriotic War, and others). The evolution of the permit system and its importance in preventing crimes associated with the illegal manufacture, possession, and use of firearms are noted.