On 6 February 2025 in Podgorica, Montenegro, the UNODC held a workshop aimed at enhancing legal expertise in firearms investigation and prosecution. The workshop brought together prosecutors, law enforcement representatives, and judges to review training materials and discuss key aspects of the Criminal Code and special investigative measures, with a particular focus on firearms-related offenses.
Participants discussed the UNODC's draft Commentary on newly adopted provisions of the Criminal Code, covering illegal possession, carrying, trafficking, and manufacturing of firearms, as well as the falsification and obliteration of weapons' markings. Emphasis was placed on understanding both the subjective and objective elements of these offenses, and proving aggravating circumstances associated with these crimes.
In addition to the material normative framework, the workshop explored spcial investigative measures, including covert surveillance, interception of communications, and the use of simulated transactions. Criminal justice practitioners examined the application of these techniques in both the preparation of criminal offenses and the handling of accidental findings, addressing the challenges of balancing privacy with effective law enforcement, particularly in investigations involving encrypted communications and digital evidence. These discussions were supported by the UNODC draft publication on the application of special investigative techniques in firearms and organized crime cases.
The workshop provided a platform for exchanging insights and strategies to combat firearms-related crimes, resulting in the collection of useful inputs from practitioners to finalize training materials for the investigation and prosecution of firearms offenses.
This activity is implemented with financial support provided by Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and Norway through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Trust Fund and supported by the European Union.
