UNDP SEESAC Training Strengthens Firearms Analysis Capacities in Chisinau

Public attention around arms trafficking often focuses on arrests and seizures. But much of the work that makes those operations possible happens earlier, through careful analysis of data, cross-checking of information and identification of patterns that can point investigators towards emerging threats.

Strengthening these analytical skills was the focus of a four-day specialised training organized by UNDP SEESAC that took place in Chisinau from 7-10 September 2026. The Analysis Training for the Firearms Focal Point brought together staff from various units in Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate responsible for weapons control and was designed to strengthen their ability to turn raw data into actionable intelligence. These enhanced analysis capabilities will support both operational decisions and longer-term security assessments.

Over the course of the training, participants progressed from the core functions of the Firearms Focal Point and the management of registries and databases to more advanced analytical methods. They examined the intelligence cycle, from the collection and evaluation of data to analysis and dissemination, and worked with practical tools including timelines, link charts, hypothesis development and crime scripting.

The training also covered firearms legislation and classification, trafficking routes and vulnerabilities, and the links between illicit firearms, organised crime and terrorism. Participants explored weapons tracing and international intelligence-sharing mechanisms, as well as approaches to identifying high-value and high-priority targets and incorporating a gender-sensitive perspective into analysis. The programme concluded with a case study and practical exercise in which participants applied the methods and tools covered during the training.

Although this analytical work is less visible than frontline law-enforcement operations, its impact extends well beyond a single institution. Stronger analysis makes it easier to identify connections across cases, recognise trafficking patterns, assess emerging risks and provide authorities with the information they need to act earlier and more effectively.

Through its capacity-building activities, UNDP SEESAC actively supports institutions in strengthening the systems, expertise and professional skills needed to align with EU standards and contribute to the broader EU integration process.

Strengthening the analytical capacity of Firearms Focal Points contributes to both, developing the institutional expertise needed to meet requirements in this area while improving cooperation and information exchange with partner institutions across the EU and the wider region.

This training was organised under the Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2587 in support of SEESAC for the implementation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans and in support of disarmament and arms control activities in South-East and East Europe.