B&T controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2018
GL06 injuries during Yellow Vest protests
French police used the GL06 during the Yellow Vest movement, and several demonstrators suffered serious injuries. B&T rejected direct responsibility and argued that ammunition from an unidentified supplier, particularly an unsuitable type, could substantially increase injury risk and reduce accuracy.
2014
APR rifles and Euromaidan controversy
APR rifles produced under licensed Ukrainian arrangements were documented in use by Ukrainian security forces during the Euromaidan demonstrations. Swiss authorities reportedly approved the earlier know-how transfer and shipment of parts, while the company stated that relevant exports and licenses had received approval from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. APR rifles produced under licence in Ukraine were reported in images and video associated with security forces during the Euromaidan demonstrations. Swiss authorities had approved an earlier transfer of manufacturing know-how and rifle parts. B&T stated that the exports and licences had received approval from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
2008
Scrutiny over Zimbabwe-linked MAG58 parts transfers
Reference material describes alleged involvement by Heinrich Thomet in the transfer of MAG58 parts attributed to Zimbabwe Defence Industries through Montenegro into the United States during 2008–2009, raising sanctions-related concerns.
2008
Alleged transfers involving Zimbabwe-origin parts
Reporting alleged that Heinrich Thomet was involved in moving MAG58 parts originating from Zimbabwe Defence Industries through Montenegro into the United States during a period when Zimbabwe-related sanctions created legal restrictions. The episode generated scrutiny concerning export controls and sanctions compliance.
2006
Heinrich Thomet arms-trafficking watch-list controversy
Heinrich Thomet was reported as being placed on a U.S. State Department watch list of potential arms traffickers. The matter was associated with his relationship with AEY and allegations concerning arms procurement networks. The allegations concern the former co-founder rather than an established finding against B&T as a corporate entity.
2006
Watch-list designation involving Heinrich Thomet
Heinrich Thomet, a former B&T co-founder, was reported as having been placed on a U.S. State Department watch list for suspected arms-trafficking activity. Reporting connected him to the AEY procurement network and alleged relationships with arms brokers. The allegations concern Thomet and associated transactions rather than establishing misconduct by B&T as a corporate entity.