Morocco: Criminal intelligence analysis allows authorities to stay a step ahead

16^th June 2021 - Rabat, Morocco

As law enforcement is faced with more complex challenges and transnational criminal networks continue to demonstrate great adaptability and flexibility in their operations, traditional reactive law enforcement models encounter serious difficulties in coping with contemporary threats. Criminal intelligence analysis is at the core of intelligence-led policing which provides a proactive approach, complementary to traditional policing methods to identify and counter transnational threats such as human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants. It entails the collection, review, and analysis of complex and voluminous information which results in tactical and strategic intelligence products that are used as a basis for informed and evidence-based decision-making.

Using specialized software, analysts can quickly organize, visualize and analyze large amounts of data which leads to more effective investigations. This sheds light on the importance for law enforcement agencies to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. UNODC, through the regional European Union-funded project “Dismantling human trafficking and migrant smuggling criminal networks in North Africa,” cooperates with the Moroccan Ministry of Interior (MoI) to strengthen its criminal intelligence analysis capacities. In this context, UNODC organized four certified trainings for Moroccan authorities on communications data analysis for 20 law enforcement officers to ensure a progressive and sustainable acquisition of skills on the Mercure V4 software.

These trainings allow the participants to deliver an enhanced impact in their day-to-day work by having learned about how to use the primary and then more complex features of the software to import and analyze itemized billings, cell site dumps, mobile phone memories and SIM cards. Used during investigations, the skills acquired can be mainstreamed in the criminal intelligence analysis cycle and support the dismantlement of migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks through better capabilities for the analysts to connect criminal actors and other entities involved.

“Dismantling the criminal networks operating in North Africa and involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking" is a three-year (2019-2022) €15 million regional joint initiative by the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the framework of the North Africa Window of the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. The project consists of a regional intervention covering Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia to support the effective dismantling of criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking, while at the same time upholding the rights of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable groups.

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