UNODC & BOMCA organized a workshop for investigators from Turkmenistan on countering cross-border crimes related to TIP & SOM.   

On 22-24 May 2023, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) jointly with the European Union funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) organized a workshop for investigators of cross-border crimes related to trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants(SOM) In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. 

The workshop brought together a group of sixteen law enforcement and judiciary officers whose work duties are directly linked to the investigation of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants’ crimes.

Dr. Reda Sirgediene, the UNODC Regional Adviser for Central Asia on Countering Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, Dr. Egle Matuiziene, Prosecutor of the Department for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Corruption of Prosecutor General 's Office of the Republic of Lithuania and Mr. Edvardas Cerniauskas, Head of the Criminal Intelligence Unit at Criminal Investigation Board of State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania discussed with the workshop participants the international legal framework and instruments on countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, and shared best practices in detection and investigation of trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling cases, as well as in identification and interviewing of victims of trafficking using advanced investigative interview techniques.

To facilitate the learning process and the experience exchange, interactive sessions were followed by cases studies, practical exercises, and role-play simulations.

This activity is a part of the technical support provided by UNODC to Turkmenistan aiming at the implementation of the provisions of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime.

“I am pleased to support the law enforcement practitioners in Turkmenistan in strengthening their professional skills and capacity in combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants’ crimes. The approach and methodology used during the workshop were designed specifically to enhance the understanding of the matter issues and strengthen the investigation skills of the officers, as the appropriate capacity and professionalism of the law enforcement and justice officials is one of the key aspects to ensure effective criminal justice system response in addressing transnational organized crime”, - concluded Dr. Reda Sirgediene. 

The workshop was organized within the UNODC Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons, implementing the Regional Programme for Central Asia 2022-2025.

For further information please contact:                  

Arifa Fatikhova    

Communications and External Relations Officer 

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 

Regional Office for Central Asia

Mobile: (+998 99) 825-05-43 | Email: arifa.fatikhova[at]un.org