OSCE supports co-operation of police investigators in Central Asia on combating trafficking in new psychoactive substances facilitated by Darkweb and the use of cryptocurrencies

A five-day training course on developing co-operation among law enforcement agencies in combating the spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS) facilitated by the Darkweb concluded on 21 February 2020 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

More than 20 representatives of law enforcement agencies from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as Mongolia participated in the course.

Participants developed techniques in identifying websites with malicious content, understanding anonymity and encryption, and the functioning of the Darkweb. The participants also enhanced their knowledge about the role of cryptocurrencies in drug-related and other crimes facilitated by the Darkweb.

The course was organized by the Strategic Police Matters Unit (SPMU) of the OSCE Transnational Threat Department in co-operation with the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) and with the support of the Nizhniy Novgorod Academy of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia.

“The topic of this training course is very relevant for Central Asia. More and more new psychoactive substances appear on the illicit drugs market in the region,” said Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, Police Major-General, recently appointed Director of CARICC. “The misuse of the Darkweb and cryptocurrencies represent an emerging challenge for the law enforcement of the CARICC Member states and it should be addressed through enhanced regional co-operation and international support,” he concluded.

Eduard Lokotunin, Police Affairs Officer on Combating Illicit Drugs at the SPMU, said that: “New psychoactive substances pose a threat to OSCE participating States. In some cases, information and communication technologies are used for criminal purposes, including for committing drug-related crimes. OSCE experts in co-operation with other relevant organizations will be willing to assist the Central Asian law enforcement agencies in tackling the problem by promoting best practices and applicable international standards.”