OSCE strengthens the capacity of Moldovan law enforcement to combat illicit trafficking, with a particular focus on small arms and light weapons

From September 24 to 27, 2024, the OSCE held a series of meetings with representatives of Moldovan law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities to detect and investigate illicit trafficking, with a particular focus on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW).

The aim of these discussions was to evaluate the existing legislative framework, and to identify the training and equipment requirements of Moldovan law enforcement agencies. This exercise aimed to highlight gaps and needs, ultimately making search, search and seizure operations more effective, and improving the quality of investigations and evidence collection related to the illicit trade in SALW.

On September 24, the OSCE facilitated the opening meeting of an inter-institutional working group, which included representatives of the General Police Inspectorate, the General Border Police Inspectorate, Customs and the Public Prosecution Service for the Fight against Serious Organized Crime and Special Affairs. This group was established in accordance with Moldova’s National Action Plan for Accession to the EU (2024-2027) and aims to support the alignment of the Moldovan legal framework with EU standards. The key insights and findings from this meeting will inform relevant legal and regulatory analysis and will support changes aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the authorities involved.

From September 25 to 27, the OSCE conducted on-site assessments at the General Police Inspectorate, the National Inspectorate for Investigation, the National Public Security Inspectorate, the Forensic and Judicial Expertise Center, the K9 Center, the General Inspectorate of the Border Police , Customs and Chisinau Police. . The aim was to evaluate their operational capabilities in the field of detection and investigation of illicit trafficking of SALW, with a particular focus on the equipment necessary for the effective detection, search and seizure of illicit SALW in Moldova and at its borders.

These initiatives were funded by the UK government as part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project entitled “Support to law enforcement authorities in Moldova in response to security challenges in the region.” This project aims, among other thingsto strengthen Moldovan law enforcement capabilities to tackle transnational organized crime, including the illicit trafficking of SALW, by reviewing legal and regulatory frameworks, developing training materials, providing training and providing necessary equipment.