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Working meeting with the Heads of the Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime and the Heads of the Departments for Combating Drug and Cybercrime of the Turkish National Police.
During the period from 3rd to 5th August 2021 in Ankara there were held the meeting of the CARICC Director Major General Miralizoda R.A., Head of the Program Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan of UNODC Mr. Naweed Riaz (connected online) with the Head of Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC) as well as with the Heads of Departments for Combating Drug and Cybercrime of the Turkish National Police.
Over the course of the meeting in TADOC the Head of the Academy Mr. Erdem Ozler and the Representative of the Turkish National Police expressed readiness to cooperate upon the relevant issues of drug countering, to arrange and hold international seminars and trainings as well as joint projects realization in this area for employees of competent bodies of the CARICC participant countries.
CARICC’s Director Miralizoda R.A. noted that the Center attaches a great importance to cooperation with the TADOC primarily in the matters of education and advanced vocational trainings for the NCA’s employees as well as fully supports all initiatives and efforts of the international community aimed at countering drug trafficking.
In this regard and with a view to strengthen the cooperation bases in these directions of activity as a result of the meeting an agreement was reached on the development and signing of an Agreement (memorandum) on cooperation between CARICC and TADOC.
At the meeting of the CARICC’s Director Miralizoda R.A. with the Heads of the Departments for combating Drug and Cybercrime of the Turkish National Police the Center noted the role of the law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Turkey, which are at the forefront of the departments of the states of the world community that successfully counteract drug trafficking and related crime.
This is confirmed by the significant volumes of seized drugs and the number of liquidated organized criminal drug groups.
In turn, the heads of the Turkish National Police Departments shared their experience and skills, expressed their readiness to participate in seminars and trainings on the basis of the CARICC on education and training of employees of the CARICC NCA on new methods of combating drug trafficking and cybercrime within the framework of specialized programs, projects and other activities, including ones supported by the UNODC.
Additionally, the Turkish side was pleased with the information about the carrying out of systematic by the Center to grant Turkey the status of a full member of the CARICC and its joining to the Agreement on its Establishment, with the prospect of making a positive decision on this issue in the near future.
Press release on holding a meeting at the CARICC site to develop a scenario for a simulation training on countering the legalization (laundering) of proceeds from drug crime
On the site of the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Their Precursors, from 28 to 30 July 2021, a meeting was held to develop a scenario for a simulation training on combating the legalization (laundering) of proceeds from drug crime.
The organizers were the Program Office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the OSCE Program Office in Nur-Sultan and the INL at the US Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan in partnership with the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event was held with the participation of representatives of CARICC, the Academy of the General Prosecutor's Office, the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Financial Monitoring Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Security Committee and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and invited international experts on the project “Strengthening the capacity of competent authorities in conducting parallel financial investigations and suppressing illegal financial flows associated with organized crime and drug trafficking ”.
Representatives of CARICC spoke to the participants of the meeting and assisted in its holding from the perspective of international experts in the field of combating drug trafficking. The participants were presented with a presentation on the international and regional practice of conducting financial investigations for the purpose of countering the laundering (legalization) of criminal proceeds from illicit drug trafficking.
At the meeting, the issues of introducing simplified organizational forms of interaction between law enforcement agencies and financial intelligence units were widely discussed.
The participants exchanged expert opinions, experience and best practice on the latest developments in financial investigations and the suppression of illegal financial flows related to organized crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime and virtual assets. The importance of international cooperation in this area was noted, the Concept of simulation training for employees of the competent authorities of Kazakhstan was proposed.
Working meeting with representatives of the Ministries and Departments of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the UNODC Regional Office in Central Asia.
In 29-30 July 2021 in Tashkent, the Director of CARICC, Major General Miralizoda Rustam Aziz, met with the leadership and representatives of the competent authorities of Uzbekistan and the UNODC Regional Office in Central Asia.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister G. Fazylov noted that the priority of Uzbekistan's foreign policy is the region of Central Asia. In this regard, the issue of expanding cooperation with CARICC is in the focus of attention of the foreign ministry of Uzbekistan. At the same time, he expressed support for the CARICC initiatives to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of combating drug trafficking.
At the meeting in NCDC, representatives of the competent authorities of Uzbekistan expressed interest in enhancing cooperation with CARICC on a wide range of anti-drug interaction. An agreement was reached to intensify interaction in areas of cooperation of mutual interest.
At the meeting of CARICC Director R. Miralizoda with UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia A. Mittal, proposals for the draft Program for Central Asian countries for a new five-year period were discussed, the official adoption of which is planned to coincide with the first visit of the new UNODC Executive Director Ms. Ghada Fathi Waly to Central Asia.
R.Miralizoda said that in the modern conditions of the development of the drug situation, interaction within the framework of UNODC projects through the possibilities of CARICC as an instrument of inter-network cooperation in the international fight against drugs is acquiring special relevance.
The parties reached an agreement to expand cooperation between CARICC and UNODC on topical issues of modern development of the drug situation.
Preparatory meeting on the regional operation " Substitution. Phase 3"
On July 28th, 2021, the UNODC Regional Program for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries, together with the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Center, convened an online preparatory meeting on the regional operation " Substitution. Phase 3".
The meeting was attended by law enforcement officers of the precursor units from Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of CARICC, UNODC and INCB.
This operation is the result of the long-term and fruitful cooperation between CARICC and the Regional Program.
During the meeting, the participants considered the draft plan of the regional operation "Substitution. Phase 3", presented by specialist of the International Operations Promotion and Coordination Unit, including Controlled Deliveries of CARICC as well as expressed their support for the plan and pre-approved the terms of the operation and its timing.
It was decided that the operation would focus on identifying and seizure of contraband shipments of acetic anhydride, ammonium chloride, acetic acid, as well as uncontrolled chemicals that are either directly used in the illegal manufacture of heroin, or serve as a cover for contraband shipments of acetic anhydride.
The meeting was organized under the auspices of the UNODC Regional Programme for Afghanistan and neighboring countries, with financial support from Finland. The INCB provided expert support to the meeting.
Participation in the International Scientific and Practical Conference
On July 6, 2021, representatives of the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Their Precursors (CARICC / Center) by invitation of the Bureau for the Coordination of Combating Organized Crime and Other Dangerous Types of Crimes on the Territory of the CIS States, via videoconference took part in the International Scientific and Practical Conference under the auspices of the Council of Ministers of Internal Affairs of the CIS member states on the theme: "Organization of coordinated measures in the field of countering cross-border drug trafficking", which was organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
The event was attended by employees of the internal affairs bodies of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, representatives of authorized bodies in the field of security and law and order, as well as experts of scientific and educational organizations of the Commonwealth countries.
During the event, the participants presented relevant reports on various topics of the field of activity. The staff of the Center presented a report on the topic: "CARICC as a leading platform for regional and international cooperation in the field of combating drug trafficking and cross-border drug-related crime".
The organizers of this event expressed gratitude for the fruitful participation and presentation of meaningful information.
Working meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republic of Kazakhstan
On June 25, 2021, in the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the city of Nur-Sultan, a meeting took place of the adviser / head of the Information and Analytical Division of CARICC A.A. Erkaboev with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan to discuss issues of expanding cooperation with CARICC and providing assistance in finding additional funding for its activities.
Deputy Director of the Department of International Security of the MFA A. Tanalinov, Head of the Department for Combating Drug Crimes of the MIA I. Kantserov, as well as employees of Kazakhstan foreign affairs agency took part in the meeting on behalf of the Kazakh side.
The representative of CARICC briefly informed about the current activities of the Center, as one of the large-scale and significant projects of the UNODC in Central Asia, the drug situation in the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan, as well as the analytical work of the Center, including its improvement.
Mr. A. Tanalinov emphasized the importance of CARICC functioning in the region as a tool to combat international drug trafficking. Also, he noted the progressive development of the Center, the anti-drug operations "Channel" (CSTO) and "Web" (SCO) carried out on its basis, which were highly appreciated by international experts and organizations.
In order to continue funding CARICC from the main donor - the United States, Mr. A. Tanalinov noted the need to study through diplomatic channels with the Tajik side the issue of revising its position on the entry of Afghanistan and Turkey as full members of CARICC.
The Kazakh diplomat also announced the readiness of the Japanese side in the resumption of funding for CARICC from 2022 (from the beginning of the new financial year).
In addition, during the meeting, an exchange of views took place on the consideration and signing of the draft Agreement on the Exchange and Protection of Secret Information CARICC (SOZSI), as well as discussed a number of current and problematic issues related to the activities of CARICC.
A representative of CARICC took part in the meeting of the Working Group on Typologies and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Crime (WGTYP) in the framework of the 34th EAG Plenary Session
On May 27, 2021, a representative of the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Their Precursors (CARICC/Center) Mrs. T.Evdokimova took part in the meeting of the Working Group on Typologies and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Crime (WGTYP), organized by videoconference during the 34th Plenary Meeting of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG).
The event was attended by representatives of 9 EAG member states (the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People's Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan), the FATF Secretariat, as well as 13 states and 18 organizations - the observers of the Group.
During the WGTYP meeting, participants noted the importance of strengthening national AML/CFT systems. Considerable attention was paid to the issues of identifying, analyzing and minimizing ML/TF risks in the Eurasian region, which becomes especially relevant in connection with the continuing trends that have formed against the background of the pandemic. The interim results of the project on identification and analysis of ML/TF risks in the Eurasian region were discussed.
It was noted that among the main threats to money laundering in the region are activities related to the illegal cross-border movement of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (smuggling) and their illegal turnover.
The report of the EAG Secretariat on the results of the activities of the project group on the preparation of the EAG Guidelines for financial investigations in the field of AML/CFT was heard, in which Ms. T. Еvdokimova represents the Center and acts as an expert representative of observers in the EAG. Further work plans of the project group were also approved.
At the same time, the meeting participants considered proposals for a mechanism for monitoring the operational situation in the EAG member states in terms of new ML/TF risks and exchanged best practices, typologies and experience in automating analytical activities.
It was noted that the EAG member states carry out significant work to identify and analyze new ML/TF methods in the region, contribute to raising awareness among government agencies, the private sector about the latest global trends and emerging risks, and take active steps to strengthen international cooperation in order to strengthening national AML/CFT systems.
CARICC Director participates in the Second International Anti-Drug Campaign “For a World without Drugs” within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Major-General R.A. Miralizoda, CARICC Director, participated in the Second International Anti-Drug Campaign “For a World without Drugs” within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation via videoconference on 21 May 2021 at invitation of the SCO Secretary-General.
During his presentation at the “strengthening international cooperation to combat drug crime” segment, Mr. Miralizoda introduced the Centre as one of the largest and most significant UNODC projects in Central Asia, one of the priorities of which is to expand partnerships in the field of counter-narcotics.
It was suggested that SCO and CARICC should become flagships in promotion of joint interests in the region as well as a good example for other international organizations involved in countering drug threat.
In this context, attention was drawn to the need to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation between the SCO Secretariat and CARICC, an integral part of strategic and programme documents of the organizations, approved by heads of state of their members.
The event supported the “One Belt, One Road” initiative of the People's Republic of China, implementation of which opens up broad prospects for cooperation, with maximum benefit in strengthening cooperation on the anti-drug track.
The idea of creating the SCO Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe was endorsed, provided that the created Center and CARICC will not duplicate each other, and ensure a clear division of functions and tasks between them, with a definite gradation of goals and organized subsequent coordination of their activities.
Meanwhile, it emphasized CARICC's consistent position that national interests of individual states should not prejudice and contradict strategic principles of development and operation of our organizations.
The meeting was conducted in the format of a constructive dialogue on full range of aspects of anti-drug cooperation.
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CARICC Director meets with Head of SBNON of Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic
On 12 May 2021, Major-General R.A. Miralizoda, Director of the Centre, met with Colonel U. Sultanov, Head of the Drug Control Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. Mr. D. Toichiev, representative of the UNODC Programme Office in the Kyrgyz Republic, also took part in the meeting.
During the event they discussed areas of joint activities and directions of cooperation between the SBNON MVD of Kyrgyzstan and CARICC in countering drug trafficking and further development of collaboration within the mandate of the Centre, which to date is an effective mechanism for coordinating efforts of competent authorities of CARICC Member States in combating transnational drug crime.
In addition, discussions highlighted the UNODC's continued support towards the Centre and appreciation for efforts of competent authorities of CARICC Member States in seeking new coordinated, comprehensive and concerted ways and opportunities to tackle drug trafficking in the region.
CARICC Director's meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Kazakhstan
Major-General R.A. Miralizoda, Director of CARICC, and Mr. Naweed Riaz, Head of the UNODC Programme Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with H.E. Mr. John Mikal Kvistad, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Kazakhstan, via videoconference on 29 April 2021.
This event was a continuation of dialogues that took place during bilateral meetings in Nur-Sultan from 20 to 26 April this year with heads of diplomatic missions and embassies of foreign countries, to discuss expansion of cooperation with CARICC and to assist in seeking additional funding for its activities.
During the meeting, Director of CARICC informed Mr. Ambassador that CARICC is one of the largest and most significant projects of UNODC and has 7 Member States and 17 Observer countries. The Centre under its mandate promotes, coordinates and supports efforts of countries in combating drug trafficking not only in the region, but also far beyond it, and carries out important analytical work.
Mr. Kvistad's attention was drawn to the potential of the Centre, not only in combating drugs, but also in countering international organized crime, terrorism, human trafficking and corruption.
In turn, Mr. Ambassador underscored the importance of CARICC and confirmed the need for increased cooperation. At the same time, it was suggested that part of funding allocated by Norway to UNODC for counter-terrorism programmes could be used for this purpose.
Conversation was open and constructive.
Meetings of CARICC and UNODC delegation with heads of diplomatic missions and embassies of foreign countries in Nur-Sultan
CARICC and UNODC delegation headed by Major-General R.A. Miralizoda, Director of the Centre, participated in bilateral meetings with heads of diplomatic missions and embassies of foreign countries in Nur-Sultan from 20 to 26 April 2021.
Visits were made to embassies of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Sweden, the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Meetings were aimed at discussing expanded cooperation with CARICC and assistance in seeking additional funding for the Centre's activities.
Mr. R.A. Miralizoda, Director of CARICC, presented the Centre as one of the largest and most significant UNODC projects in Central Asia.
Importance of its establishment by the region's 7 heads of state was highlighted, as well as its 17 observer countries.
Main goals and objectives of the Centre were outlined, including assistance, coordination and support of regional countries in combating drug trafficking, combating drug trade to Europe and countries of South and East Asia.
Touching upon results of the Centre's work in operational segment over the past years, CARICC Director briefed about seizure of hundreds of tons of dangerous drugs, dismantling a significant number of drug channels of Afghan opiates all over the world. Significance of work carried out by liaison officers from all CARICC Member and Observer States in this direction was underlined.
Presentation also provided information on analytical work of CARICC, drug situation monitoring and forecasting, based on which countries of the region develop national anti-drug strategies and drug policies.
Attention of heads of diplomatic missions was drawn to the possibility of using potential of the Center not only in the fight against drugs, but also in countering international organized crime, terrorism, human trafficking and corruption.
Meetings were held in a constructive dialogue on full range of topics previously addressed at the 20 April 2021 donor conference.
Donor Conference on Funding CARICC
20 April 2021 a donor conference on funding the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC) was held via videoconference.
The conference was supported by the Ministries of Foreign and Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was attended by heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations accredited in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The purpose of the event is to discuss matters of mutual interest in view of CARICC's mandate in combating illicit drug trafficking, to use its potential, experience and resources, and to seek new cooperation arrangements in supporting the development of the Centre and its funding.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Mr. Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, Director of CARICC, Mr. Akan Rakhmetullin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Arystangani Zapparov, Deputy Minister of Interior Affairs, and Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia.
In his speech, Mr. R.A. Miralizoda briefed on results of the Centre's performance, its achievements, potential, and development prospects.
It was mentioned that the states of the region and permanent partners of the Centre regard it as an effective element of regional security, an effective platform for coordination of efforts on anti-drug track in Central Asia.
Over the years, CARICC has become an organization that provides a productive forum for Member States to shape appropriate responses to contemporary challenges and threats.
In turn, resource base of the Centre and experience of its staff members defines great prospects in expanding counteraction not only to drug trafficking and coordination of anti-drug work, but also in tackling transnational organized crime, terrorism, and human trafficking.
In conclusion, Mr. R.A. Miralizoda called on potential donors to review the possibility of providing financial support to the Centre for the most effective and qualitative performance of its tasks.
Ms. A. Mittal also highlighted CARICC's achievements and results, and stressed importance of the Centre on counter narcotics track in the Central Asian region.
She also identified as an important priority the need for adequate funding for the Centre, which is essential for its development and is in line with main directions of UNODC's core programmes in the region.
The Kazakhstani side reaffirmed its commitment to the main priorities of international cooperation in the anti-drug sphere, while noting the leading role of CARICC as a UNODC project uniting the joint efforts of 7 participating states and 17 observer countries.
During the meeting, the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. William Moser, also made a speech, who said that further donor assistance to the Center would be considered by the US Government after agreeing on the priority issues for the American side. These include the entry of Afghanistan and Turkey into the Center, the signing of the Agreement on the exchange and protection of classified information, as well as the formation of the position of the participating states on making voluntary contributions to its budget.
The conference was moderated by the Head of the UNODC Program Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Navid Riaz, who during the event made a presentation on the CARICC strategy and the efficiency of using its resources in the Central Asian region in countering not only drug trafficking, but also transnational organized crime. terrorism, human trafficking corruption.
In conclusion, Mr. Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, Director of CARICC thanked the participants and expressed hope that donor countries will find additional opportunities to finance the Center for its sustainable development.
