Nepal: Criminal justice actors sharpen investigative expertise and skills to more effectively counter human trafficking and migrant smuggling

Nagarkot, Nepal/29 January 2026: In trafficking and migrant smuggling cases, successful prosecution depends on robust on effective investigations. Criminal networks are increasingly leveraging digital platforms, encrypted communications, and complex layered structures to recruit victims, coordinate movements, and conceal illicit profits. These evolving tactics call for investigative strategies that integrate technology, intelligence, and meticulous operational planning.

In this context, 21 prosecutors and investigators from Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Kathmandu enhanced their knowledge and skills in advanced investigative techniques, through a UNODC training delivered with support from the European Union in Nepal.

Conducted in a practical, scenario-based learning environment, the training integrated digital forensics (hardware and cloud), covert operations, tactical planning, and intelligence-led policing. Officials gained hands-on skills to more effectively detect, investigate, and document cases of TIP and SOM.

The Deputy Attorney General of Nepal and the Chief of the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police shared their insights with participants, reflecting the strong institutional commitment of the Government of Nepal towards tackling these crimes.

Participants enhanced their understanding in leveraging digital evidence from telecommunications networks and cloud-based platforms, applying open-source intelligence effectively, and integrating online findings with on-the-ground investigations.

The exchange of experiences also fostered peer learning and reinforced inter-agency cooperation, which is essential for addressing crimes that cut across jurisdictions and institutions.

The training aimed at building a specialized cadre to strengthen crime detection, investigation, inter-agency cooperation and prosecution.

This activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by the European Union)