Advancing Kyiv’s Investigative Capacities: SEESAC Delivers a Series of Firearms-Related Trainings

Throughout July, UNDP SEESAC delivered a series of hands-on trainings tailored to address the needs of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in conducting firearms-related investigations. Held in Kyiv, the trainings fostered cross-institutional cooperation and strengthened the investigative capacities of over 30 representatives from various agencies involved in firearms-related investigations.

Led by SEESAC SALW control expert, the interactive sessions combined theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on exercises.

Key topics included the intelligence cycle, data collection, intelligence analysis, data visualization, support for firearms-related investigations, cross-border investigations, and emerging threats.

The first training focused on the intelligence cycle, guiding participants through the transformation of raw data into actionable intelligence with a specific focus on firearms trafficking. Topics included data collection and evaluation, link analysis, inference development, and critical thinking strategies in the face of misinformation and disinformation

During the second week, participants received a five-day Analyst Notebook training. Through practical case studies and simulations, they learned advanced visual analysis techniques, created intelligence charts, and practiced data mapping. This hands-on training sharpened their investigative skills and helped them identify patterns and connections and make data-driven decisions.

The final training explored firearms intelligence. Participants tackled challenges such as firearms trafficking, diversion, tracing, and linking criminal and forensic intelligence. Discussions also highlighted the concept of high-value/priority targets, featuring a variety of case studies that exemplified international cooperation and intelligence sharing in cross-border firearms investigations.

These capacity-building efforts are part of SEESAC’s ongoing support to Ukrainian institutions in their efforts to combat illicit arms trafficking and misuse. SEESAC’s contribution to the workshop was supported through the implementation of EU Council Decision 2022/2321.