Breaking news (474)
Development and strengthening of cooperation among CARICC and Headquarters for Drug Control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russian Federation, and CIS ATC
During the period from May 30 to June 01, Lieutenant-General A. Sh. Shayakhmetov, Deputy Director of CARICC, made a field visit to Moscow (Russian Federation), where he had meetings with Major-General of Police, K.V. Smurov, First Deputy Head of Headquarters for Drug Control of the Ministry of the Interior of Russian Federation, and Major-General K.O. Kozhakhmetov, First Deputy Head of the Antiterrorist Center of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Issues of the current drug situation in CARICC member states and development of a unified methodology for assessing the smuggling of Afghan opiates along the “Northern” route planned by CARICC, a number of other issues related to the detection and elimination of clandestine drug laboratories for the production of synthetic drugs, as well as tackling legalization (laundering) of proceeds derived from illicit drug trafficking, were discussed at a meeting with K.V. Smurov.
During the meeting, K.V. Smurov noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russian Federation supported the initiative of CARICC to obtain an observer status with the Eurasian Group to combat the legalization of proceeds of crime and the financing of terrorism, and has already sent a relevant document to the Center.
At a meeting of Lieutenant-General A. Sh. Shayakhmetov, Deputy Director of CARICC with Major-General K.O. Kozhakhmetov, First Deputy Head of the Antiterrorist Center of member-states of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the parties noted an increased level of cooperation in 2017 among the agencies and ways to further strengthen the partnership.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
On the role of Parliaments in the legislative enforcement of cooperation and regional security in Central Asia
On the 25th of May, an international round table was held on the theme, “The role of Parliaments in the legislative enforcement of cooperation and regional security in Central Asia”, in Astana, under the leadership of Mr. N.Z. Nigmatullin, Chairperson of the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event reflects the challenges of modern threats and challenges that are of a transboundary nature, as well as measures taken by the states of the Central Asian region in close cooperation with international partners to effectively counteract these phenomena.
In his speech, Nurlan Nigmatullin outlined the urgency of combating the risks of manifestations of crisis phenomena, such as religious extremism and terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and illegal migration. He also noted the significant contribution made by Kazakhstan to the establishment of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center for Combating Drugs (CARICC). A positive evaluation of CARICC’s activities in the fight against transnational drug trafficking was articulated at this event.
In addition, representatives of the legislative bodies of Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, as well as international organizations and international experts took part in the discussion of round table topics organized by the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly and the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan.
CARICC was represented at this event by Lieutenant-General A.Sh. Shayakhmetov, Deputy Director, who in his speech reported on the major activities and outcomes of CARICC’s efforts in tackling illicit drug trafficking in Central Asia.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
CARICC in cooperation with SBNON MIA KR seized over 8 kg of heroin
As part of an international anti-drug operation with the assistance of the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC, Almaty) the Service for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic on the territory of Kyrgyzstan detained a citizen of one of the State Parties to CARICC, carrying narcotic goods. More than 8 kilograms of heroin were seized.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Participation of CARICC staff in the seminar related to the review of international experience in the field of profiling in order to combat transnational crime
During the period from April 24 to April 28, 2017, a number of CARICC officers attended a seminar in Astana devoted to the review of international experience in the field of profiling at international checkpoints in order to combat transnational crime.
This seminar was organized for border control officers of the Border Service of National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan as part of a joint initiative of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, INL, OSCE and CARICC in training profiling specialists at international checkpoints to tackle various types of threats to national security.
Representatives of the Operational Frontier Group of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the Risk Assessment Unit of the National Center for Analysis of Cargo Transportation of the Israeli Tax Service, the National Center for Information Collection of the U.S. Bureau on Customs Matters and Border Protection, as well as the trainers of the United States DEA Global Training Team acted as experts in this seminar.
CARICC officers delivered a presentation on software tools for processing information that can be used to organize risk profiling directly at checkpoints in real time.
As a whole, officers of border control agencies of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted that the seminar fully met their expectations and that the experience gained would be very useful in their future service at the border control points.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Seminar on the use of information and analytical systems in combating crime
During the period from April 17 to April 21 this year, CARICC staff delivered training at the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (TD/RER/F23) Project jointly with the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Participants of the training were officers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Economic Investigation Service of the Committee of State Revenue, and the Financial Intelligence Committee. During a week, attendees learned the skills of using specialized software “i2”.
The goal of the training was to help trainees to master unique and useful innovative software, to skillfully apply the knowledge they gained in practice.
The need for informational and analytical system “i2” in the fight against crime has great potential. Its products are focused, first of all, on prevention of crimes. So, through the analysis of information, the software enables to model ambiguous criminal schemes. Thus, to identify pre-existing or already committed crimes in the early stages, take timely measures to prevent them.
The event allowed to upgrade the professional level of law enforcement staff, which will facilitate to achieve practical results in combating crime, protecting society and the state from external and internal threats.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Training on improving the skills in operating specialized software as part of information and analytical activities
On the 10-14th of April, 2017, in Bishkek, at the initiative of the competent authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Center has organized and conducted training for the staff of analytical units in the practical application of specialized software products in the field of information and analytical activities.
The purpose of this training was to form the theoretical knowledge and practical skills with staff in organizing analytical and intelligence analysis of data using modern technologies that allow to significantly reduce the time during information processing.
Based on the results of the training, the general impression of the target audience is positive. Participants noted the high level of preparation of the event and the trainers’ staff, as well as an interesting and unconstrained way of presenting training materials.
In addition, according to the participants of the event, the training fully corresponded to the functional duties of attendees and proved to be very useful in the daily service and combat activities of the competent authorities.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Concerning the Role of Kazakhstan in the UN Security Council
On the 7th of April 2017, CARICC staff attended an international roundtable on “The Role of Kazakhstan in the UN Security Council”, dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of Kazakhstan’s accession to the UN.
The event was organized by the academic staff of the International Relations Faculty of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University with the support of the United Nations Assistance Center and the Institute for Security and Cooperation Problems.
Representatives of USAID, UNAIDS, UNESCO, CICMA, diplomatic missions and representative offices in Almaty, as well as the National Data Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies participated in the round table.
During this event, reports on the role of Kazakhstan in strengthening global security and its priorities during its membership in the UN Security Council in 2017-2018, the limits of the UN Security Council authorities, as well as the experience of Germany’s non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council, were presented.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
Seminar on Financial Investigations and Illegal Assets Recovery at CARICC
April in CARICC started with a week-long seminar on financial investigations and illegal assets recovery.
The event was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for Kazakhstani analysts, investigators, prosecutors working in the field of investigating money-laundering crimes derived from drug trafficking.
Training conducted during the period from 03 to 07 April in CARICC facilities is aimed at improving the ability of officers of competent authorities to monitor, freeze and return illegally acquired assets.
UNODC trainers provided examples of identifying large-scale schemes for tax evasion, examples of financial investigation, experience and special techniques for cross-border investigations. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the training was supported by practical exercises. Every day the participants were divided into mini-groups and contributed to the discussions, sharing their professional experience and expertise in this field.
CARICC’s analysts, in turn, delivered presentations on the activities, capacities and prospects for the Center’s future activities, as well as an analysis conducted in 2016 in the area of legalization (laundering) of money derived from illicit drug trafficking in Central Asia.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
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Concerning a meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC member states
On the 31st of March 2017, a regular meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC member states (hereinafter – Council) was held in Almaty (Republic of Kazakhstan), in CARICC office under the chairmanship of the Kazakh Party.
During the Council’s meeting, in accordance with the agenda, the issues of CARICC activities in 2016, the improvement of the Center’s regulatory framework, as well as the need to implement certain administrative recommendations of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime were reviewed.
The parties acknowledged the activities of CARICC for 2016 as satisfactory. At the same time, representatives of CARICC and UN Office on Drugs and Crime noted the enhancing of the effectiveness of the Center’s work in fulfilling its mandate.
Following the Council’s meeting, the parties adopted a relevant resolution and reached an agreement to hold the next Council’s meeting in Almaty, in the second quarter of 2017.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
CARICC’s attendance in the 60th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)
During the period from 13 to 17 March 2017, Lieutenant-General A. Shayakhmetov. Deputy Director of CARICC, is participating in the 60th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council at the Vienna International Center.
The goal of this annual event is to discuss analytical work done with regard to the current drug situation in the world, and to elaborate proposals aimed at tackling the drug problem and strengthening the control system.
As part of the Commission’s work, A. Shayakhmetov, has met and discussed a number of issues concerning international cooperation in the field of combating drugs with Mr. Yuri Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director, Mr. R. Arbitro, his Deputy, Mr. Tofik Murshudlu, UNODC, Head of Support Implementation Section, Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, Ms. Chloe Carpentier, Chief of UNODC Drug Research Section, and other international partners.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
On positive assessment of CARICC activities at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan
On the 10th of March 2017, the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan was held at the UN headquarters in New York, which was attended by the Kazakh delegation, the RoK MFA press service reported.
In his speech, Kairat UMAROV, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations, stressed that the situation in Afghanistan remains unstable due to the instability and high risk of terrorist acts, and also due to the growth of illicit drug production and trafficking, which may have negative consequences for the entire Central Asian region. Mr. K. Umarov highly appreciated the work of the United Nations Mission in assisting Afghanistan, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC) located in Almaty.
The Kazakh delegation stressing the inextricable link between security and development issues, drew the attention of the members of the Security Council to the initiatives of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan NAZARBAYEV, to assist Afghanistan and strengthen the regional and global security architecture.
The diplomats proposed to carefully review the project of establishing a regional UN Center in Almaty on the basis of existing international structures, which could coordinate the rendering of comprehensive assistance to Afghanistan and Central Asian region countries.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
International partnership of CARICC with Japanese anti-drug structures
The Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC), within its mandate, is actively expanding international cooperation with counter-narcotics agencies in tackling illicit drug trafficking in the Central Asian region.
The fact of signing a joint statement “On an expanded strategic partnership in the century of prosperity of Asia” in November 2016 by Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Sinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, indicates to the strengthening of cooperation and interaction.
Thus, Section 26 of the above-mentioned document notes, “The Parties reaffirmed the importance of efforts in the fight against drugs in Central Asia. The Japanese side highly appreciated the activities of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC) located in Almaty”.
The Kazakh side welcomed Japan’s financial assistance to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as well as the extension of the project, under which Japanese specialists deliver lectures and training sessions for drug enforcement officers from Afghanistan and Central Asia, and expressed an intention to make efforts in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs through active participation of drug enforcement officers of the above countries”.
As part of strengthening the cooperation among CARICC and Japan, in January 2017, an operational meeting was held with the Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Kazakhstan, Sato Katsunori. The meeting noted the donors’ assistance of Japan in the development of CARICC. It was expressed the wish to see strong ties in the future between CARICC and Japanese anti-drug structures, including those within the framework of the Dialogue “Central Asia plus Japan”.
In February 2017, CARICC’s leadership, in the person of A. Shayakhmetov, Deputy Director, attended the 22nd Asian-Pacific Conference on Operational Fight against Drugs (ADEC-22), organized in Tokyo by the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA).
The Conference discussed the ongoing changes in the illicit trafficking of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) and new psychoactive substances (NPSs) on a global scale. In turn, CARICC noted activities in the field of counteracting the illicit trafficking in ATSs and NPSs in the Center member states; efforts were announced in the area of combating NPSs in the framework of Operation ‘REFLERX’ in 2017. A series of measures as part of this operation is designed to establish an early warning system of new substances and other synthetic drugs harmful for the health and life of citizens of CARICC member states. During negotiations with the competent authorities of Japan at the Conference platform, CARICC initiated a number of proposals for joint work with the Japanese NPA. In particular, it was suggested to review a possibility of the participation of the competent authorities of Japan in CARICC’s work on the establishment of an early warning system for NPSs in the Center member states, and also to exchange analytical information of the trends in the development of the drug situation in Japan and CARICC member states.
Thus, opportunities are being implemented for further development of cooperation and partnership between CARICC and Japan in the field of combating international drug trafficking.
CARICC
http://www.caricc.org
