The illicit movement of arms has become a significant concern for the Republic of Moldova, exacerbating existing organized crime challenges and posing severe threats to national security and stability. Moldova's strategic location, nestled between Ukraine and the European Union, renders it a potential destination and transit point for various illicit activities, including arms trafficking. In response to this potential threat, from 19 to 20 June 2024 in Bucharest, Romania, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through its Global Firearms Programme, conducted a train-the-trainers session on the identification and classification of firearms, their parts, components, and ammunition for fifteen law enforcement officers from the Republic of Moldova. The training was held at the Romanian National Military Museum, facilitated by the collaboration with the following institutions from Romania: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence and the National Association of Arms Collectors, and from the Repulbic of Moldova: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior.
The main objective of the training was to strengthen the operational capacity of the Republic of Moldova in detecting, identifying, classifying, and recording illicit firearms, their parts, and ammunition. The specific objective was to equip a selected group of experts with advanced knowledge and skills in firearms identification and classification, which they will subsequently transfer to other practitioners in their respective units. This cascading training approach aims to create a multiplier effect, significantly expanding the reach and impact of this specialized knowledge.
The first training session introduced participants to the main types of firearms, including definitions, essential components, descriptions, functionalities, and differences. The session covered a range of firearms, from antique to modern, including privately manufactured firearms and various accessories such as converters, silencers, and optical instruments. Following this, participants engaged in practical exercises to examine firearms and their components, practicing identification and classification using marking codes. Day two began with an overview of definitions and terminology related to ammunition and its components, including identification and classification of different types of ammunition. Participants engaged in hands-on examination of various ammunition types.
The second part of the session focused on tracing firearms and ammunition as part of investigation and international cooperation procedures. This segment covered the definition, importance, and terminology of tracing, presenting tracing instruments, including internal and international databases, and alternative methods used in firearms tracing, such as ballistics and forensic methods. Following the theoretical sessions, participants engaged in a practical exercise for identifying and classifying randomly chosen firearms, applying procedures for firearms handling, documenting, and preserving evidence. This exercise was followed by group feedback and trainer evaluations.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the valuable training and the opportunity to gain new knowledge, highlighting the need for ongoing cooperation with UNODC and the partner ministries from Romania. Beyond the theoretical and practical aspects, the training provided a platform for exchanging ideas and discussing common challenges, fostering a spirit of cooperation.
The activity was supported through a generous contribution from the Government of Germany.
