OSCE supports dialogue on fight against organized crime in Kyrgyzstan

The OSCE Centre in Bishkek, in co-operation with the State Academy of Law under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, organized a two-day conference on 15 and 16 May 2014 in Bishkek on the fight against organized crime.

Representatives of parliament (the Jogorku Kenesh), ministries, agencies, international organizations, together with international experts and members of the academic community reviewed specific investigation techniques in the fight against organized crime. A practical set of recommendations to improve the existing legislation was also proposed.

“Organized crime remains a problem in Kyrgyzstan. Its scale presents a risk to national security, bringing negative impact on the economic and social aspects of the country,” said Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “The OSCE Centre in Bishkek commends the work of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in dealing with organized crime and therefore strengthening the rule of law in the country.”

During the conference, participants discussed issues such as activities of the public authorities, corruption, countering criminal organizations in the field of drug trafficking, finance, human trafficking and illegal migration, extremist groups engaged in organized criminal activity and problems in the legal and organizational foundations for fighting organized crime.

“We express our commitment for co-operation with law enforcement agencies and civil society in supporting initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety and security of citizens,” said Kapinos.

Conference participants also took part in a master class conducted by OSCE-supported international experts from Russia, Georgia and Moldova who shared professional expertise and good practices.