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Blackwater Faces Hefty Fine for Iraq Gun Violations

Contractor shipped firearms without permit; some may now be on black market

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 13, 2008 4:08 PM CST
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(Newser) – The government will hit security firm Blackwater USA with a multimillion-dollar fine for shipping hundreds of unauthorized guns to Iraq, McClatchy reports. A lengthy State Department investigation has concluded that the security contractor shipped some 900 weapons to the country—some of which likely wound up on the black market—without necessary permits, sources say.

The North Carolina-based outfit said it has “not been informed of an intent to impose a fine, however … we have been cooperating with the government to respond to inquiries into our export processes,” a spokeswoman says. Two former Blackwater employees have already pleaded guilty to weapons charges and are cooperating with the feds, the Raleigh News & Observer notes.

Plainclothes contractors working for Blackwater USA take part in a firefight April 4, 2004 in Najaf, Iraq.
Plainclothes contractors working for Blackwater USA take part in a firefight April 4, 2004 in Najaf, Iraq.   (AP Photo)
A firearms and tactics instructor at Blackwater Worldwide is armed for a training exercise in Moyock, N.C., Monday, July 21, 2008.
A firearms and tactics instructor at Blackwater Worldwide is armed for a training exercise in Moyock, N.C., Monday, July 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Blackwater Worldwide's headquarters is seen in Moyock, NC, July 21, 2008.
Blackwater Worldwide's headquarters is seen in Moyock, NC, July 21, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Security contractor Blackwater faces a multimillion-dollar fine for illegal weapons shipments to Iraq.
Security contractor Blackwater faces a multimillion-dollar fine for illegal weapons shipments to Iraq.   (AP Photo)
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Blackwater • black market • security contractors • Iraq contractors • weapons • Iraq war • defense contractors

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