2 minute read
1.2 Scope of the report
from The Conflict in Ukraine and its Impact on Organized Crime and Security - A Snapshot of Key Trends
A Snapshot of Key Trends The Conflict in Ukraine and its Impact on Organized Crime and Security coordinating with governmental and non-governmental entities at the national and regional levels. UNICRI has worked with the State of Ukraine and Moldova within the framework of the European Union’s Centres of Excellence Initiative for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) safety. This includes capacity building on biosafety and biosecurity, CBRN waste management capabilities, and medical preparedness and response capabilities.
In June 2020, UNICRI launched the “CONTACT – Black Sea” project. CONTACT-Black Sea worked to enhance the capacities of security and law enforcement agencies to prevent the trafficking of radiological and nuclear material through a “detection by intelligence” approach. As part of its action-oriented research on Illicit Financial Flows, UNICRI has also provided key recommendations to Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities to streamline the seizure and confiscation of assets linked to corruption, organized crime, and other criminal activities that impact regional security.4
In March 2022, UNICRI responded to a request from Moldova’s Ministry of Internal Affairs to identify key priority needs to support the design and implementation of an integrated security strategy to respond to the evolving regional security context. Through this assessment, UNICRI identified the need for an updated analysis of new and nuanced security threats exacerbated by the conflict. UNICRI decided to launch this research to assist all key stakeholders involved in justice, crime prevention, and security-related matter in the region.
1.2 SCOPE OF THE REPORT
From the ongoing assessment of the conflict and its impacts on neighbouring countries, UNICRI has identified many key issues that merit an updated analysis. This study provides a situational report and explores the broad implications of the conflict in Ukraine on the region and in Moldova in particular. Further study is needed with respect to the impact of the conflict on other neighbouring countries, such as Poland and Romania. Still, for purposes of this report, the following four overarching themes were identified:
The four themes were selected based on UNICRI’s expertise in global organized criminal activity and on targeted interviews, analysis, and research in Ukraine and Moldova. Based on an overview of regional trends, this report will inform the response and programming activities in Ukraine and Moldova by multiple stakeholders (and could be used as an indicator for responses in other neighbouring countries,
» Organized crime and illicit trafficking (including human trafficking, drugs, arms, illicit tobacco and other goods)
» Cybercrime and fraud
» Disinformation and propaganda
» Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats
