UNODC and partners conducted a regional seminar ‘Specific Features of the Investigation of Criminal Cases on Cybercrime: International Cooperation, Experience, Trends, Tactics and Problems’ in Kazakhstan

On 22-24 November 2022, UNODC within the framework of the of the Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus (CASC) jointly with the Academy of the Law Enforcement Agencies under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan and OSCE Office in Astana organized a regional seminar “Specific Features of the Investigation of Criminal Cases on Cybercrime: International Cooperation, Experience, Trends, Tactics and Problems” in Koschi city, Kazakhstan.  

 

The event brought together representatives of law enforcement, prosecution and judiciary of Kazakhstan, delegates of the prosecutor's offices and their training institutions from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan responsible for cybercrime investigation, international cooperation in criminal matters and capacity building in this area. Experts from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan and UNODC contributed to the capacity building.

The purpose of this seminar was to enhance the capacities of the judicial, law enforcement and central authorities of Central Asian countries to provide swift, effective support to one another in their efforts to effectively cooperate in investigation transnational cybercrime; and to further develop knowledge and skills of practitioners in engaging to international cooperation, involving electronic evidence. The event served as a platform to discuss relevant issues in the field of detection and investigation of transnational crimes committed with the usage of the ICT, providing legal assistance in criminal matters, seizure, and recovery of the crypto assets, harmonizing legislation, and increasing the level of direct interaction between the competent authorities of the countries within and outside wider region.

During the event, the experts and participants shared their experience on the best practices, challenges and solutions related to combating cybercrime and international cooperation in investigating such cases.

The event facilitated the discussion of relevant issues related to collecting and analyzing digital evidence within and outside national jurisdictions, the practice of working with open sources of information using the OSINT intelligence tool; the issues on examination of computers, mobile and other communication devices, as well as the challenges arose during the conduct of computer-technical and forensic expertise were discussed.

Temur Tsindeliani, UNODC expert /prosecutor of the International Cooperation Department at the the General Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia highlighted: “International cooperation in investigation of transboundary criminal cases especially committed by use and abuse of technology became a daily routine for criminal justice practitioners all over the globe. The organized criminal groups unite and enhance operational communication and coordination rapidly. To effectively address this global thereat, I am strongly encouraging all of you to join forces and actively use mechanisms and tools provided by international partners such as UNODC. For example, UNODC supported CASC Network recommended itself as a sustainable platform to jointly combat transnational crime including committed by use and abuse of technologies. It helps to connect professionals within and outside the region to make cooperation more fruitful, smoother, and easier”.

The Regional Seminar advanced the discussions on the prevention and combatting of cybercrime through a comprehensive approach based on good practices sharing, fostering international cooperation in criminal matters, and use of applicable legal and practical instruments on this matter.

One of the key outcomes of the event was the development of a series of recommendations and suggestions aimed to enhancing investigation, fostering international cooperation and further development of the capacity building which are to be guidelines to further efforts to prevent and fight transnational cybercrime and obtaining of electronic evidence in Central Asia.

This initiative was funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). 

Additional information: 

The Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus (CASC Network) is an UNODC supported initiative aimed to promote sustainable cooperation between central authorities within and outside the CASC region in the field of judicial cooperation, rule of law and protection of human rights that include among other a focus on cybercrimes and related misconducts. The Regional Seminar “Specific Features of the Investigation of Criminal Cases on Cybercrime: International Cooperation, Experience, Trends, Tactics and Problems”, a consequential continuation of previous efforts undertaken to address related cross-border issues by strengthening international cooperation in the CASC region aimed at combating cybercrime. 

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