From 24 to 27 June 2024, the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, in collaboration with the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC), organized a training on introduction to open-source intelligence (OSINT) for analyst officers from CARICC and law enforcement agencies from Central Asia in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This event benefited from substantial support from the UNODC Global Programme on Criminal Network Disruption, specifically from the Criminal Intelligence Analysis Project, in cooperation with the Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus (CASC) and the UNODC Supporting the CARICC Component Project.
The training programme provided CARICC analysts and Central Asian law enforcement officers with the tools and knowledge to navigate the realm of OSINT with confidence and proficiency.
During his opening remarks, Atageldi Yazlyev, Director of CARICC, emphasized the evolving tactics of drug traffickers: “Drug sellers are actively adapting to new technologies to outpace authorities in their illegal activities. Our primary concerns now revolve around the shift of drug crimes to the Internet and the widespread use of network technologies. The Internet serves not only as a platform for advertising and communication for drug syndicates but also as a space for cyber interactions, recruitment of drug sellers and couriers, and online marketplaces for selling drugs.”
“On World Drug Day, the UNODC’s training on introduction to open-source intelligence underscores the crucial role of advanced online investigative skills in combating drug trafficking in both traditional and online marketplaces. Additionally, our partnership with CARICC demonstrates a shared dedication to strengthening regional capabilities in addressing the challenges presented by drug trafficking through effective data collection and analysis,” emphasized Yusuf Kurbonov, UNODC International Programme Coordinator.
The training methodology facilitated a comprehensive understanding of ethics and integrity, legal regulations, human rights considerations, and various aspects of OSINT analysis, underpinned by real-life case studies and practical exercises. Participants explored methods for collecting information, analyzing data, and writing reports while recognizing the importance of historical and local context in OSINT operations.
Delving deeper, the participants explored tools and strategies ensuring online confidentiality and anonymity while grappling with myriads of open sources of information. Practical sessions on web data manipulation, geolocation analysis, and image recognition technology equipped attendees with tangible skills essential for mastering OSINT tools and methodologies. The mix of theoretical frameworks and hands-on exercises empowered the analysts to apply newly acquired knowledge in a practical setting, fostering skill development and proficiency enhancement.
The training served as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, having equipped analyst officers with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the intricate terrain of OSINT with adeptness and foresight. This immersive experience was a stepping stone towards honing skills in ethical decision-making, source evaluation, and responsible information-gathering practices.
Highlighting the importance of OSINT in investigations concerning drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, Vitaliy Perov, UNODC Information Security Expert Consultant and trainer, emphasized that “open-source information provides law enforcement agencies with vital data to identify and monitor criminal networks. Through the swift analysis of connections and criminal patterns, the use of open-source information accelerates the investigative process, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness.”
Moreover, the training coincided with the celebration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day observed on 26 June), integrating aspects of World Drug Day awareness into the programme. By aligning with the 2024 World Drug Day campaign theme - “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”, the training highlighted the crucial role of OSINT in combating the expanding influence of drug trafficking in online and Darknet markets. Through the enhancement of investigative abilities and promotion of collaboration, the training empowered attendees to tackle the global drug issue using advanced analytical tools and strategies based on evidence, thereby making a significant investment in prevention initiatives.
The training was conducted with financial support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
Watch the video to learn more:
Open-Source Intelligence Regional Training Course at CARICC - YouTube
Open-Source Intelligence Regional Training Course at CARICC-World Drug Day 2024 (unodc.org)
For further information, please contact:
Nurangez Abdulhamidova
Communications and External Relations Specialist
UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia
Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org
