First of its kind simulation training on Countering Organized Crime and Drug-related Money Laundering took place in Uzbekistan

On 20-23 April 2021 the national capacity building training for the specialists-practitioners from all relevant authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan was organized by the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia and Global Programme Against Money-Laundering in partnership with the General Prosecutor's Office, the Academy of the General Prosecutor's Office and the Department on Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor's Office.

18 participants (1 woman) and 4 national trainers from government authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan and international organizations benefited from the opportunity.

As a result of the working group meetings held online in 2020 and 2021 – drug trafficking and money laundering patterns and charts, the fictional profiles of the criminal business model actors, video materials, as well as over 80 documents required for simulation training were developed.

The training materials (the mock-up model of the criminal case, scenario, physical evidences, video interrogation, search/field facility etc.) contained relevant information for participants to investigate the case scenario. The mock-up model of the criminal case and relevant documents created by the national trainers, international expert, and AML/CFT adviser for use at the simulation training were developed and incorporated with the national legislative requirements for simulation exercise.

The participants were divided into four groups (mix of reps of different agencies) to further enhance interagency cooperation. This approach proved effective at the previous trainings allowed improving the understanding among participants how interagency cooperation works in practice during the investigation of the criminal case.

The participants were able to develop a plan of investigation of the criminal case and developed the necessary procedural documents for detection and seizure of financial evidence of criminal proceeds.

As a result of conducting this unique training in Uzbekistan, the knowledge and skills of the relevant practitioners required to profile and gather intelligence on anti-money laundering activities were enhanced.

In addition, the pool of national trainers was created and the simulation training materials (scenarios; participants’ profile; form layout of criminal proceedings and procedural documents; evidence and financial trail) were developed and shared with the Academy for further use in the education process.

The training course was conducted under UNODC Programme for Central Asia with the expert support of the Global Programme against Money-Laundering and with the financial support of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US Embassy to Uzbekistan.

 

***

For any queries please contact

Shakhnoza Zafari

Communication and External Relations Officer

Mobile: +998935547895

Email: shakhnoza.zafari[at]un.org