Strengthening ballistic and forensic expertise is essential to ensuring national security, enhancing the effectiveness of criminal investigations and supporting the successful prosecution of arms trafficking and terrorism-related offenses.
In line with this objective, UNODC and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), under the joint project “Addressing the Terrorism-Arms-Crime Nexus: Preventing and Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Their Illicit Supply to Terrorists – Supporting the Implementation of UNSC Resolution 2370 (2017) and the Madrid Guiding Principles” delivered a series of specialized IT equipment and advanced digital forensic comparison microscopes to the Member States in Central Asia.
The initiative aims to strengthen the technical and operational capacities of national law enforcement agencies across Central Asia in tracing illicit firearms, investigating organized crime and terrorism cases, and improving regional and international cooperation.
Kazakhstan – November 2024
On 15 November 2024, IT equipment was handed over to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan. This support enhances the Ministry’s forensic and ballistic analysis capabilities to assist investigations into illicit SALW trafficking and terrorism-related cases.
Uzbekistan – December 2024 & February 2025
On 12 December 2024, advanced IT equipment was delivered to the Main Expert-Forensic Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan. This equipment supports the ballistic laboratory’s information-search systems, enabling more efficient tracing of firearms and ammunition used in criminal cases.
On 14 February 2025, a high-precision Digital Forensic Comparison Microscope was donated to the same laboratory, significantly boosting Uzbekistan’s ability to conduct ballistic and forensic investigations. During the ceremony, Police Colonel Saidolim Nuriddinov highlighted that the new equipment would strengthen the scientific and technical potential of forensic services.
UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uzbekistan’s efforts to align with international best practices in combating arms trafficking, terrorism and organized crime.
Tajikistan – December 2024 & February 2025
As part of the joint project, UNODC handed over IT equipment to the Expert-Forensic Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan on 24 December 2024. Later, on 25 February 2025, the Ministry received specialized binocular microscopes that enabled them to further enhance their ballistic and forensic analysis capabilities.
Police Colonel Gurez Dastagul, Deputy Head of the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan, emphasized the importance of modern technology in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of ballistic and forensic examinations. The equipment supports Tajikistan’s efforts to investigate and prosecute arms trafficking and terrorism cases more effectively.
Turkmenistan – February 2025
On 10 February 2025, UNODC and UNOCT provided IT equipment to the Ballistic-Forensic Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the ceremony, Mr. Geldimurad Halmuradov, Head of the Ministry’s International Legal Department, expressed appreciation for the support and underlined the equipment’s importance in strengthening Turkmenistan’s technical base to combat organized crime and arms trafficking.
Kyrgyz Republic – April 2025
On 3 April 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic received Digital Forensic Comparison Microscopes. The new equipment will significantly enhance the quality of ballistic examinations and support effective investigations into firearms-related crimes.
Police Colonel Alexander Ivanov, Head of the Expert-Forensic Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic noted the crucial role of expert conclusions in resolving complex and disputed matters. He emphasized that the donated equipment would improve national capacities to combat illicit arms trafficking, terrorism and organized crime.
This region-wide initiative demonstrates the strong partnership between UNODC and law enforcement agencies in Central Asia. It is a vital step towards addressing transnational threats by strengthening the scientific, technical and operational capabilities of ballistic and forensic services in the region. The project also reinforces international commitments under UNSC Resolution 2370 (2017) and the Madrid Guiding Principles to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their supply to terrorists.
Through continued cooperation and technical assistance, UNODC and its partners remain committed to enhancing security, justice, and the rule of law across the region.
“Addressing the Terrorism-Arms-Crime Nexus: Preventing and Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Their Illicit Supply to Terrorists – Supporting the Implementation of UNSC Resolution 2370 (2017) and the Madrid Guiding Principles” is a joint project implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). It is generously supported and funded by the Government of Canada.
