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Expanding analytical cooperation between CARICC and the Committee for Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan
A working meeting between representatives of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) and the Committee for Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held online on 14 October 2025.
This meeting was a follow-up to agreements reached during official visit of CARICC Director M. Khamidov to Astana on 10 October 2025. Main topic of discussion was expansion of cooperation in analytical activities and digitalization of mechanisms to combat drug crime, including in cyberspace.
Parties expressed interest in enhancing information exchange, including exchange of consolidated statistics, forensic reports, and operationally relevant information for preparation of comprehensive regional reviews and drug threat assessments. Particular attention was paid to ensuring comparability, relevance, and applicability of data in practical work of law enforcement agencies.
Committee's information on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies in legal statistics system, including the ability to predict risks, monitor digital platforms, and identify new synthetic drugs, was of particular interest. CARICC expressed readiness to adapt similar solutions at the regional level.
They discussed interaction mechanisms based on the National Interagency Targeting Center and the Centralized Database, including potential connectivity to CARICC analytical modules. The sides confirmed their intention to work on joint modernization of these resources, including ensuring cross-access to relevant information systems in compliance with confidentiality requirements.
Participants discussed possible signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CARICC and the Committee and preparation of a joint Action Plan for 2026 (so-called Roadmap). It is expected that the document will cover analytical, scientific, and educational areas of activity.
The meeting took place in a constructive and professional atmosphere, demonstrating mutual interest of both parties in building a sustainable analytical partnership. Following the dialogue, the parties agreed to begin coordinating the draft Memorandum and technical specifications of the Roadmap. Particular emphasis will be placed on integrating analytics, AI, and forecasting into the practice of combating drug crime, including in cross-border and digital dimensions.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProId33c3642900
Enhancing cooperation in analytical capacity and countering drug crime in cyberspace
A working meeting between representatives of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) and the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held online on 14 October 2025. It was a logical follow-up to agreements reached during CARICC leadership's visit to Astana on 10 October 2025.
Participants focused primarily on developing analytical and scientific-methodological expertise within both organizations to strengthen effectiveness of countering drug crime, particularly in light of growing threats in cyberspace.
Key topics of the meeting included:
- expanding bilateral cooperation in combating drug trafficking using digital platforms and internet resources;
- introduction of joint analytical mechanisms for monitoring and identifying drug threats in cyber space;
- shaping institutional framework for cooperation: provisions of draft Memorandum/Agreement on Cooperation and draft Plan of Practical Measures (“Roadmap”) for 2026 were discussed;
- preparation of joint research and information-analytical publications, including for subsequent use in law enforcement practice in CARICC participating countries;
- identification of priority areas for future training and practical activities, including training courses and simulation exercises at the Academy and CARICC.
Parties expressed their mutual interest in forming a sustainable expert dialogue, exchanging methodologies, and jointly developing evidence-based approaches to combating drug crime in cross-border and digital dimensions.
It is planned to align texts of key documents regulating cooperation in the nearest future and to start preparation of joint events for 2026.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProId190202788c
International scientific and practical conference “A Future Without Drugs”
International scientific and practical conference “A Future Without Drugs” was held at the Almaty Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan named after Makan Esbulatov in Almaty on 10 October 2025.
The event was organized jointly with the Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the US Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office in Almaty
The event gathered law enforcement officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and experts from international organizations.
The conference addressed the problem of the spread of synthetic drugs, including via the Internet.
CARICC representative briefed on activities of the Centre as a regional intergovernmental body assisting in organization and coordination of international operations to combat illicit drug trafficking. He highlighted emerging drug situation in Central Asia with regard to synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS).
He also presented an initiative by CARICC and the UNODC Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran, and Pakistan to develop and implement a pilot phase of a regional early warning system for synthetic drugs and NPS in Central Asia.
Discussions resulted in developing priority areas for multilateral cooperation on effectively countering international drug crime.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProId208c1aa0be
Meeting at the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov met with heads of specialized departments of the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Committee Major General Askhat Tuleuov, at the premises of the Committee in Astana on 11 October 2025.
CARICC Director thanked Kazakhstan side for wide-ranging support to CARICC activities. He pointed out the role of the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan in implementation of international joint operational activities with CARICC on controlled delivery.
Both sides reviewed current drug situation in CARICC's area of responsibility, and discussed growing threats related to the spread of synthetic drugs, including through the use of internet resources and digital platforms.
To improve effectiveness of anti-drug activities, Mr. Khamidov announced proposals to upgrade CARICC's work, including launching new areas of activity (particularly in countering cyber threats and trafficking in synthetic drugs), modernizing information and analytical resources, and implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening financial stability and expanding the geography of international cooperation.
Given the location of CARICC in the Republic of Kazakhstan and with a view to stepping up operational activities, Mr. Khamidov also proposed considering the possibility of expanding the geography of joint counter-narcotics operations coordinated by the Centre, including with participation of competent authorities of the CIS member states.
The Committee representatives highly appreciated CARICC's activities in facilitating international anti-drug operations. They reaffirmed their preparedness to provide strong support to CARICC's initiatives aimed at improving its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
After the talks, the parties agreed to further their joint efforts to improve effectiveness of CARICC's activities and confirmed their shared interest in strengthening practical collaboration between CARICC and the Committee for National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProIdf9930e2024
About the meeting at the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan
On October 10, 2025, as part of the visit of CARIC Director Colonel Mahmud Khamidov to Astana, a meeting was held with the Chairman of the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, State Counselor of Justice 3rd Class Sabit Nurlybaev.
During the meeting, representatives of the Committee gave a presentation on the implementation of digital solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in analytical activities, including within the framework of the Operational Analysis Center (“target center”). Particular attention was paid to the use of AI for the early detection of new types of drugs, online resources related to their illegal trafficking, and the prediction of crime risks based on digital data.
The parties discussed prospects for deepening cooperation, including the signing of a memorandum and the approval of a roadmap for further cooperation on issues of mutual interest. An agreement was also reached to launch a joint initiative to introduce a regional early warning system for threats related to illicit drug trafficking, with the possibility of scaling it up in CARICOM member states.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue, confirming mutual interest in strengthening practical cooperation in the field of analytical work and digital transformation of anti-drug activities.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProId31d1e22f13
Meeting between the Director of CARICC and the leadership of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan
On October 10, 2025, as part of the visit of the Director of the CARICC, Colonel Khamidov Mahmud Tolibovich, to Astana, a meeting was held with the Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, State Counselor of the 3rd class, Koygeldiev Galymzhan Mambetovich.
During the meeting, the Director of CARICC expressed his gratitude to the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan for its assistance in the implementation of international anti-drug operations carried out using the controlled delivery method, including through the effective use of mutual legal assistance mechanisms.
Mahmud Khamidov presented proposals aimed at improving the Center's activities, launching new areas of work, including countering cyber threats and the spread of synthetic drugs, as well as modernizing information and analytical resources. Particular attention was paid to initiatives related to strengthening the Center's financial sustainability and expanding international partnerships.
The General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan expressed its support for CARICC initiatives aimed at improving regional cooperation mechanisms in the fight against drug trafficking. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation, including the development of new joint documents and projects. Particular attention was paid to developing cooperation with key departments of the General Prosecutor's Office – the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies and the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Records.
The role of information and analysis in the Center's activities was particularly noted. In this regard, it was proposed to expand the list of information transmitted to CARICC, taking into account the potential of state legal statistics as a source of relevant and reliable data on the drug situation in the region. In particular, an initiative was announced to include the following information in CARICET's analytical materials:
- data on the progress of criminal prosecutions for drug-related crimes and judicial practice;
- information on the investigation of crimes related to illicit drug trafficking;
- results of operational and investigative activities to identify transnational drug-related crime.
The Kazakh side expressed its readiness to support CARICOM's efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and confirmed its interest in further coordinating joint efforts.
The meeting took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, confirming the high level of trust and the parties' desire to deepen practical cooperation in the field of anti-drug activities.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProId741b43214f
Meeting at the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan
CARICC Director Colonel Makhmud Khamidov visited the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 10 October 2025 as part of his visit to Astana.
The visit included a meeting with a delegation from the Academy led by its Rector, State Counselor 3rd Class Nurgalim Abdirov.
At the beginning of negotiations the CARICC Director congratulated Mr. Abdirov on his appointment as Rector of the Academy, wished him success in his professional activities and expressed his gratitude to the entire Academy team for comprehensive support provided to the Centre's activities.
Mr. Khamidov underlined importance of on-going cooperation under the Protocol on Cooperation between CARICC and the Academy signed in 2018. Proposals were made to optimize organizational structure of CARICC, launch new areas of activity (in particular, countering cyber threats and trafficking of synthetic drugs), modernize information and analytical resources, and initiatives aimed at strengthening financial sustainability and expanding international partnerships.
Parties highlighted significant contribution to the development of human resources capacity of law enforcement agencies in the region achieved through joint educational activities, including training courses and seminars held both at the Academy and at CARICC.
The following was organized as part of joint cooperation since 2018:
9 training sessions at the Academy, including 2 specialized courses for Academy staff, with 12 to 24 participants in each session;
5 simulation training sessions at CARICC, including activities to combat human trafficking, detect drug crimes in cyberspace, and combat legalization of proceeds from illicit drug trafficking. Each training session was attended by 30 to 40 officers from competent authorities.
A total of more than 190 representatives of law enforcement agencies from countries in the region attended joint events at the Academy in Kosshy, and around 180 members of authorized bodies attended events at CARICC.
The Academy reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting CARICC initiatives aimed at improving its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
A mutual agreement was reached to take cooperation to a new level by developing and signing a relevant memorandum in the near future, adopting a roadmap for preparation of joint research and analytical papers on counter-narcotics topics, as well as science-based recommendations for subsequent implementation in law enforcement practice.
The Academy expressed commitment to provide its facilities, including the specialized Cyber Center, for joint training and practical exercises.
The meeting proceeded in a friendly atmosphere and in the spirit of constructive dialogue, confirming high level of interest of the parties in further deepening practical cooperation in the field of personnel training and countering drug crime.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProId48673f2b14
Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Mr. Makhmud Khamidov, Director of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC), met with Mr. Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, at premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana on 9 October 2025.
During the meeting CARICC Director thanked Kazakhstan for extensive support of CARICC activities. He outlined proposals to improve CARICC's effectiveness, including optimizing its organizational structure, launching new areas of work (particularly on cyber threats and synthetic drugs), modernizing its information and analytical resources, and initiatives aimed at ensuring financial sustainability and geographic expansion of international cooperation.
Particular attention was paid to the initiative to ensure sustainable funding for CARICC supported by participating countries. In this regard, it is planned to hold a meeting of expert group to align draft budget rules for the Centre. They also discussed preparations for a regular meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of CARICC member states, which is expected to address key organizational and strategic questions regarding the Centre's performance.
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. A. Rakhmetullin congratulated Mr. Khamidov on his appointment as CARICC Director and wished success in future professional endeavors.
Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to further provide comprehensive support to CARICC initiatives aimed at improving its activities and strengthening regional cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
Following the talks parties agreed to step up joint efforts to improve effectiveness of CARICC's activities and confirmed mutual interest in strengthening practical cooperation between CARICC and competent authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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Meeting with UNODC delegation
A working meeting with a delegation from the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan (UNODC) was held at CARICC building on 6 October 2025.
Meeting was aimed at discussing priority areas of cooperation between CARICC and UNODC, exchanging views on current projects and future initiatives.
Participants in the working meeting included:
from UNODC
- Mr. Oliver Stolpe, Regional Representative, Head of Delegation;
- Ms. Madina Sarieva, International Coordinator of the UNODC Programme Office in Kazakhstan,
- Mr. Yusuf Kurbonov, UNODC International Programme Coordinator,
- Mr. Aliaksandr Vadziany, UNODC Advisor on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing,
- Mr. Sardor Atashikov, UNODC Regional Coordinator for Passenger and Cargo Control.
From CARICC: Director M.T. Khamidov, Advisors A.A. Erkaboev and R.T. Ilyasov, Analyst B.A. Avazzoda.
CARICC Director M. Khamidov presented up-to-date information on the Centre's activities, including measures to optimize its organizational structure, develop new areas of work (in particular, in cyberspace and on synthetic drugs), modernize information and analytical resources, address financial sustainability issues, and expand geography of cooperation.
Special attention was paid to cooperation with the UNODC Information Center for Research and Analysis of Transnational Threats in the Region located in Tashkent, as well as to preparation of joint analytical papers and development of a plan of joint activities.
UNODC delegation expressed high appreciation for the initiatives presented and confirmed its readiness to provide expert and technical support. Proposals were also made for CARICC's participation in upcoming regional and international events, including seminars on precursor control and drug crime investigation, as well as a study visit to China and a meeting with representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
During the meeting, CARICC proposed considering the possibility of holding an international scientific and practical conference on “International and regional cooperation in combating drug trafficking along the Trans-Caspian transport corridor,” in partnership with UNODC and with the support of the European Union.
Following the meeting parties confirmed their commitment to expanding practical cooperation, exchanging experience, and working together to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime in the region.
Overall, the meeting was a constructive and meaningful dialogue, during which a mutual agreement was reached on further pursuing and strengthening cooperation between UNODC and CARICC.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProId2332ab82f2
Meeting with the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Director of the Centre, Mr. Makhmud Tolibovich Khamidov, held a working meeting with a delegation of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Almaty led by Consul General Ms. Sona Ahmadi at CARICC premises in Almaty on 3 October 2025.
During the meeting CARICC Director presented information on the Centre's mandate, objectives and main areas of activity, and outlined current initiatives and development plans aimed at enhancing effectiveness of practical work in the field of countering drug trafficking.
Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation between CARICC and competent authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Suggestions were made to intensify cooperation, including exchange of operational and analytical information, joint events, and participation in educational and research projects.
Then, CARICC staff members delivered a detailed presentation on the Centre's activities to the distinguished delegation.
Ms. Sona Ahmadi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, remarked that drug problem is among the key threats to global security. Illicit drug trafficking contributes to instability and is a source of funding for terrorist and extremist groups, particularly in Western and Central Asia.
She also underlined Iran's commitment to a balanced approach to combating the drug threat, addressing not only law enforcement measures but also treatment, rehabilitation, and drug abuse prevention.
In addition, Ms. Sona Ahmadi expressed willingness to further develop partnership with CARICC, including through sharing practical experience, information, and scientific research in this field.
Following the talks parties agreed to step up joint efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and reiterated their mutual interest in strengthening working contacts and coordinating efforts to combat transnational drug crime.
The working meeting was held in a positive, constructive, and substantive dialogue, and it was agreed that both sides would aspire to further develop cooperation between CARICC and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProId3a46e4ce6f
Subregional seminar on “Risk Analysis and Search Techniques in Drug-Related Offences”
Subregional seminar on “Risk Analysis and Search Techniques in Drug-Related Offences” was held in Tashkent from 23 to 25 September. This event was organized by the Regional Office for Capacity Building for the WCO Europe Region (ROCB Europe) in cooperation with CARICC and with the support of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The workshop aims to build capacity of law enforcement officers in Central Asian countries to use modern risk analysis techniques and conduct effective searches to combat drug trafficking.
The seminar brought together customs officials from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
During the event participants discussed ways to improve their skills in identifying and assessing risks associated with drug smuggling and studied advanced methods and tactics for conducting searches in various settings (transport, hiding places). Best practices and experiences were also shared among participating countries to strengthen regional cooperation in countering drug crime.
This included a detailed presentation by CARICC staff member on new security challenges and threats related to drug trafficking via the Darknet, social media, and encrypted channels. Attendees also learned about cutting-edge software for collecting, processing, and analyzing operational data, and examples of how these tools help improve investigations, interagency coordination, and the overall effectiveness of efforts to combat drug crime.
The seminar displayed its high relevance and practical significance, and enhanced capacity of customs officials in combating drug crime in Central Asia.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProIdc98b8fb852
Participation in international scientific practical conference
CARICC representative took part in the international scientific and practical conference “Current challenges and prospects for development of environmental legislation in the context of digital transformation” on 26 September 2025 in Almaty.
The event was organized by the Department of Customs, Finance, and Environmental Law of the Faculty of Law at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
The conference was attended by international experts, representatives of state authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, scientific and teaching faculty, human rights activists, and students.
CARICC representatives delivered substantive information on the Centre's key areas of activity and prospects for development, including CARICC analytical products.
During the event participants engaged in a constructive exchange of views and experiences on the use of digital technologies to improve legislation and ensure its further sustainable development.
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https://www.caricc.org/index.php/en/publications/news#sigProIdc36740b56c