Islamic Republic of Iran obtains observer status at CARICC

The Islamic Republic of Iran applied to the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors for observer status at CARICC in August 2019.

The Centre carried out all necessary procedures to coordinate this matter with competent authorities of CARICC Member States that supported official application of the Islamic Republic of Iran for observer status.

In accordance with Regulation on CARICC, decision on granting observer status is taken by the Council of National Coordinators of Member States after Director of the Centre presents an application for consideration.

A regular meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC Member States took place on 27 November 2020 via videoconference, which reviewed official application of the Islamic Republic of Iran to obtain observer state status at the Centre.

The meeting resulted in a Decision on granting observer status at the Centre to the Islamic Republic of Iran in accordance with paragraph 30 of Chapter 5 of the Regulation on CARICC.

Online course on advanced use of analytical tools

Training on “Methods of data analysis and processing with the use of different analytical tools” for officers of the Situation Center of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held online from 23 to 27 November 2020. The purpose of this training was to provide border guards with new knowledge and skills on information processing, analysis and visualization using various analytical software tools.

Training during this course were an employee of CARICC Information and Analytical Unit and an expert from the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, who shared their experience in using Microsoft Excel software for data collection, collation and analysis using dashboards.

Since 2019, courses on the use of various analytical tools for data processing and analysis have been attended by 86 employees of competent authorities of the Central Asian states, including 56 border guards of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 16 border guards of the Kyrgyz Republic and 14 law enforcement officers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with support from the Government of Japan, is working to strengthen analytical capacity of law enforcement and border control agencies in the Central Asian region to respond to current threats of illicit drug trafficking and border security. Importance of comprehensive data analysis is undoubtedly a key component of effective and efficient law enforcement.

UNODC, together with CARICC, whose employees possess considerable experience in collecting, storing, protecting, analyzing and exchanging information, undertakes capacity building to combat drug trafficking for effective and efficient law enforcement in Central Asian states.

CARICC Member States Council of National Coordinators meeting

Expert meetings were held on 25-26 November 2020 to prepare for regular meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of Member States of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors, which was hosted on 27 November 2020 via videoconference.

The event was attended by representatives of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, CARICC as well as Ms. Ashita Mittal, Regional Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for Central Asia, and Mr. Naweed Riaz, Head of UNODC Programme Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan,.

Meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC Member States discussed the most pressing issues of organization and further development of the Centre's activities.

Ms. Ashitta Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, noted the need for the Parties to increase efforts to strengthen activities of CARICC in current realities, taking into account trends in the global situation.

The most important accents were put on prioritizing issues of funding the Centre in order to ensure its effective functioning.

In this context, CARICC Director and Head of the UNODC Programme Office provided information on financial sustainability of the Centre.

Members of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC Member States invited Parties to work out the possibility of making voluntary contributions to the Centre's budget.

In their turn, CARICC and UNODC recommended to take measures to attract new partners and donors to the Centre, including in cooperation with competent authorities of CARICC Member States.

The event resulted in adoption of decision and minutes of the meeting.

CARICC Director takes part in 33rd EAG Plenary Meeting

On 11 November and 19-20 November 2020 Mr. R.Miralizoda, Director of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC), and other representatives participated in the 33rd Plenary Meeting of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) via videoconference.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Yu.Chikhanchin (Russian Federation), Chairman of EAG, and Mr. F.Bilolov (Republic of Tajikistan), Vice-Chairman of EAG.

The event was attended by representatives of 9 EAG Member States (Republic of Belarus, Republic of India, Republic of Kazakhstan, People's Republic of China, Kyrgyz Republic, Russian Federation, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan), the FATF Secretariat along with 13 states and 18 organizations - observers of the Group.

During the meeting participants noted that despite restrictive measures associated with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, EAG member states continue to work together to strengthen national AML/CFT systems. Significant attention is being paid to identifying, analyzing and mitigating risks of ML/FT in the Eurasian region, which is becoming particularly important due to trends emerging in the pandemic. To this end, additional technical assistance is being provided to EAG member states.

The meeting considered amendments to the Procedures for the 2nd round of mutual evaluations.

By decision of the meeting, evaluation cycle of EAG remains suspended with the possibility to apply reasonable flexibility in its renewal. A new schedule for evaluation of India has been approved together with a schedule of EAG Plenary Sessions.

Participants heard reports of the Secretariat on implementation of pilot project on coordination of technical assistance to the Republic of Tajikistan as well as on provision of technical assistance to the Republic of Kazakhstan. Also approved was a concept note on establishment of EAG experts pool, which should facilitate effective and timely selection of the most qualified candidates for short-term and urgent projects in the field of AML/CFT.

The meeting agreed on concept of preparing a document on conducting financial investigations in the Eurasian region, which was discussed on 11 November 2020 during a meeting of the Working Group On Typologies And Countering Financing Of Terrorism And Crime (WGTYP).

Ms. T.Evdokimova, CARICC representative, informed the WGTYP on implementation of the Regional Programme “DISRUPTION”, CARICC studies and possible assistance in preparation of documents on financial investigations.

The Plenary adopted a report on the EAG Secretariat activities in intersessional period and endorsed the EAG Work Plan for 2021.

It was mentioned that the EAG member states carry out significant work on identification and analysis of new methods of ML/FT in the region, contribute to raising awareness among public authorities, private sector on the latest global trends and emerging risks, and take active steps to strengthen international cooperation to enhance national AML/CFT systems.

34th EAG Plenary will be hosted in May 2021 in the Republic of Tajikistan.

CARICC participation in joint meetings of subsidiary bodies of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption

Work of subsidiary bodies of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption was carried out via videoconference between 16 and 20 November 2020, such as the second resumed session of the Implementation Review Group, the fourteenth session of the Working Group on Asset Recovery, the ninth Open-ended Intergovernmental Meeting of Experts on International Cooperation and the second intersessional meeting on the preparation for the special session of the General Assembly against corruption.

CARICC employees took part in these events remotely online as observers.

These events focused on challenges and measures to prevent and combat corruption and strengthen international cooperation in this area.

Delegates gave priority to asset recovery and to intensifying synergies as well as consolidating efforts of States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

In addition, CARICC employee participated in a meeting of the Steering Committee of the International Partnership against Corruption in Sport on November 16 this year also remotely as an observer. This is an initiative that aims to bring together international sports organizations, governments, intergovernmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen and support efforts to eradicate corruption and promote a culture of good governance in and around sport.

Results of regional operation “REFLEX-2019”

Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors in conjunction with the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries held a video-conference de-briefing on results of the regional operation “REFLEX-2019” on 18 November 2020, which was joined by representatives of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The regional operation “REFLEX-2019” was carried out on the territory of the above mentioned participating states during the period from 21 October to 21 November 2019 and was aimed, like the previous two (“REFLEX-2017”, “REFLEX-2018”), at combating proliferation of new psychoactive substances, psychotropic substances and other synthetic drugs.

CARICC performed overall coordination of the operation at the regional level, while national drug control bodies of participating states were in charge at the national level. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime provided organizational and financial support for events related to the operation.

National coordinating and competent authorities of participating states as a result of “REFLEX-2019” seized 6 tons 682 kg 758 g and 53242 tablets of new psychoactive substances and other synthetic drugs and psychotropic substances as well as 19 tons 947 kg of precursors, which is at least 4% more than the previous operation in weight (excluding tablets and precursors) and 19% more than seizures during “REFLEX-2017”.

In addition to investigating and prosecuting persons suspected of drug crimes involving the seizure of illicit substances, participating states conducted a wide range of legislative, organizational, informational, analytical and methodological actions at the national level, which will undoubtedly serve to increase capacity of drug control entities, states involved in the operation to combat distribution of new psychoactive substances and other synthetic drugs.

Major-General Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, CARICC Director, opened the online de-briefing. He expressed gratitude to all participants of the regional operation and partners from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and noted the importance of consolidated joint efforts of participating states to combat new psychoactive substances and other synthetic drugs both in the region and worldwide. He also indicated the Centre’s willingness to provide full support to initiatives in this direction.

During the event CARICC presented a regional report on results of RO “REFLEX-2019” in Russian and English with analysis, conclusions and recommendations for use by competent authorities of participating states to further improve efficiency of work in countering NPS.

Participants of de-briefing presented relevant information on drug situation in countries in their country reports, and, pointing out the importance and effectiveness of joint work to reduce drug threat in the region, came to a consensus on the need to continue regional operation “REFLEX” in future.

Following results of de-briefing, participants made a number of recommendations to improve further joint work in this direction and stated their readiness to plan and implement further measures in the nearest future.

Results of selection to fill CARICC vacant posts

According to Regulations on Service in the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC), all CARICC staff members are selected for work on a competitive basis and appointed to their positions only after being reviewed by the Selection Panel. (Section II, Chapter 1, Article 5)

Selection of employees for CARICC is aimed at providing it with highly qualified personnel with high professional level, efficiency and reliability, as well as with the highest standards of morality and ethics.

Moreover, the principle of equal representation of citizens of CARICC Member States is taken into account when selecting employees, along with consideration of personal qualifications and professional skills. (Section II, Chapter 3, Article 22)

As a rule, when announcing a vacancy for a position, several most promising candidates are selected from a multitude of applications submitted for consideration and invited to an interview to the Selection Panel and then are to be tested using special equipment (psychophysiological study).

However, due to restrictions associated with the pandemic of COVID-19 coronavirus infection this year, candidates could not arrive in the Republic of Kazakhstan to undergo a competitive selection process. Therefore, in agreement with the Head of the UNODC Programme Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan, CARICC Director and members of the Selection Panel decided to organize a selection via videoconference.

Lists of candidates were generated based solely on their professional suitability, achievements and merits. In total, 13 vacancies were reviewed, including 2 vacancies for heads of units of the Centre.

It should be noted that this event was well organized. This is a completely new format, but despite this, there were no failures in competitive selection. In accordance with developed schedule, members of the Selection Panel conducted interviews with candidates during three weeks in October. At the end of October all candidates for vacant positions were determined. Composition of officials is represented by maximum possible number of CARICC Member States - employees of competent authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

It is expected that new staff members will assume their duties from the beginning of 2021, after sending relevant NVs from CARICC and following approval by authorities of the countries sending their representatives to CARICC.

Initial contract with selected employees is signed for two years with a six-month trial period. Subsequently, the contract may be extended by CARICC Director in agreement with the sending country for one year, but not more than twice in a row (taking into account initial contract, the total period of service is not more than four years).

We are hopeful that a new page in the history of the Centre will be full of exciting prospects, work will be fruitful, and all planned actions will be implemented.

Webinar for law enforcement officers

On 3 and 4 November 2020, a webinar was held by videoconference for middle and senior law enforcement officials of the Republic of Kazakhstan on: “Law enforcement based on intelligence and use of computer software” organized by the “Drug law enforcement systems for collection, analysis and exchange of intelligence and other information and intelligence led policing” Component and Border Cooperation Component of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia in conjunction with CARICC.

Mr. Rasoul Rakhimov, Manager of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia, and Mr. Naweed Riaz, Head of the UNODC Programme Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan, made welcoming remarks.

During two days of work to enhance capacity of law enforcement agencies in collection of intelligence for detection of drug crimes and law enforcement based on intelligence, the participants were shown presentations by UNODC experts Mr. Naweed Riaz and Mr. Denis Toichiev, as well as by CARICC staff members Ms. Alevtina Tiurina, IAP senior analyst, and Ms. Tatiana Evdokimova, IAP analyst.

It was mentioned by the participants that such trainings contribute to improvement of professional level of competent authorities' employees and spread best practices of intelligence use.

CARICC Director participates in the Fifth Steering Committee Meeting of the UNODC Regional Programme for Central Asia (2015-2020)

Mr. Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, CARICC Director, joined and addressed participants of the Fifth Steering Committee Meeting of the UNODC Regional Programme for Central Asia in a videoconference on 4 November 2020.

In his speech, CARICC Director highlighted that over the years of implementation of the Regional Programme, the Centre has become a major platform for exchange of experience, expertise and research to counter transnational organized crime, and informed the meeting participants about the most significant aspects of CARICC activities.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, delegations of national competent authorities of the Programme Member States, coordinators of UNODC international programmes, as well as representatives of donor countries and partners. More than 100 people in total took part in the event.

The meeting discussed results of implementation of the Programme for 2015-2020, reviewed a working plan for 2021, as well as proposals for a new phase of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia for 2021-2025.

CARICC participated in online meeting of Regional Working Group on Forensic Capacity and Illicit Drugs (RWGFD)

Representative of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors participated in an online meeting of the Regional Working Group on Forensic Capacity and illicit Drugs (RWGFD) on 22 October 2020 convened under the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries, organized by the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia.

The meeting was attended by delegations from the Regional Programme countries (Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Republic of Uzbekistan) and experts from the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), CARICC and UNODC global programmes.

The event discussed the latest trends related to narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors in the region of West and Central Asia, as well as organization of forensic examination. Delegations from countries participating in the Regional Working Group also provided information on national priorities in this area.

A representative of CARICC made a presentation at the online meeting on “CARICC work on regional coordination of efforts to combat drug trafficking”.

Online meeting of the Regional Working Group resulted in recommendations containing regional responses, including a strategy and plans for joint action.

Participants stressed the importance of cooperation by expanding international cooperation, sharing good practices and conducting events in this format in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.