OSCE course promotes open source intelligence in criminal investigations in Turkmenistan

An OSCE-organized training course on open source intelligence in criminal investigations took place in Ashgabat from 13 to 16 September 2022. The aim of the course was to share experiences in combating drug trafficking using modern open source tools, including social media and other internet resources

The course brought together officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Institute of the MIA and its training centre, State Border Service, State Customs Service and its training centre and the General Prosecutor’s Office.

Two international instructors from the Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime facilitated the course, held in a blended format. The programme of the course covered introduction to crime intelligence analysis, information security and evaluation of information sources, as well as introduction to social media and search engines, and social media research practices. During the course, participants also exchanged views on alternative research methods for identifying suspicious criminal activity.

“Unquestionably, illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances are considered one of the most serious problems for communities, as well as a severe threat to health and safety of people and their social wellbeing,” said William Leaf, Political Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “They disrupt public order, fuel violent crime and destabilize national economies.”

“Moreover, profits made from the illicit drug trafficking are widely used to finance international terrorist networks and transnational crime, destroying peace, stability and security in the world,” added Leaf.