OSCE Centre supports regional seminar on countering transnational organized crime

ASTANA, 11 September 2014 – A two-day regional seminar on best international practices in countering transnational organized crime in the area of customs began today in Astana.

The event brings together some 40 customs officers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine who will exchange their experiences from their countries. It is co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, the State Revenues Committee of the Finance Ministry and the US Embassy.

Participants will also learn good practices in this area from international experts from Georgia and the Central Asian Regional Information and Co-ordination Centre for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking. An interactive exercise will simulate real-life situations that customs officers might face in their everyday work.

“The OSCE strongly encourages participating States in their efforts to counter transnational threats and challenges, in particular organized crime,” said Ambassador Natalya Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. “Since the activities of organized crime go beyond national boundaries, countries must also join their efforts. It is only through close interaction of government agencies involved in combating transnational organized crime that the international community can effectively fight this menace,” she added.

Muratzhan Dzhangozin, Deputy Head and Colonel at the Training-Methodical Centre of the State Revenues Committee of the Finance Ministry added, “It is through the sharing of best practices and international co-operation that the workshop participants increased their knowledge on the relevant topics. This is what is necessary to help them in their fight against transnational crime.”

The seminar is part of the Centre’s multi-year activities to enhance Kazakhstan’s abilities to counter transnational organized crime.