SENTINEL - Strengthening Law Enforcement Capacities in Central Asia to Combat Transnational Organized Crime

Transnational organized crime is inherently international. Central Asia occupies a strategically important position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and East Asia. This connectivity has generated economic opportunity and strengthened regional trade corridors, but it has also made the region vulnerable to a wide range of transnational organized crime threats that extend far beyond its immediate borders.

Criminal networks operating across and through Central Asia engage in drug trafficking and precursor smuggling, trafficking in small arms and light weapons, trafficking in human beings, migrant smuggling, illicit trade in goods and commodities, as well as increasingly sophisticated financial crimes and money laundering schemes. Many of these networks exploit porous borders, disparities in legal and institutional frameworks, limited cross-border coordination and gaps in specialized investigative capacities.

Central Asia is not only affected by organized crime; it is also a transit and operational space within broader criminal ecosystems that connect Asia to Europe and, ultimately, to transatlantic markets. Illicit goods transported through the region often move westward toward European destinations, while criminal proceeds circulate through international financial systems. As a result, organized crime dynamics in Central Asia have direct implications for security, economic integrity and public safety across the wider OSCE area and beyond.

While developments in Afghanistan continue to influence regional security dynamics and trafficking patterns, organized crime in Central Asia is multidimensional and adaptive, shaped by global demand, evolving technologies and shifting geopolitical realities. These interconnected threats undermine governance, fuel corruption, weaken rule of law institutions and affect international trade routes that link Europe and Asia.

Addressing these challenges therefore requires not only national responses but strengthened regional cooperation and enhanced operational capacities capable of disrupting criminal networks at key transit and coordination points.

The SENTINEL project responds to the need for strengthened, modern and regionally coordinated law enforcement capacities across Central Asia. Rather than focusing on a single crime type, the project enhances core investigative competencies that are applicable across multiple forms of organized crime. By strengthening operational skills, promoting professional standards and facilitating regional cooperation, SENTINEL contributes to long-term institutional resilience and improved criminal justice outcomes.

The project is implemented by the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department (TNTD/SPMU) in close coordination with OSCE Field Operations in Central Asia and in partnership with the Turkish International Academy against Smuggling and Organized Crime (TADOC). This approach ensures both technical depth and regional ownership, while promoting sustainability and interoperability among participating States.

Objectives and Activities

SENTINEL aims to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to investigate and prosecute transnational organized crime effectively and in compliance with international standards. The project delivers practical, scenario-based regional training courses that focus on organized crime investigation techniques, specialized investigative methods and interviewing and testimony analysis. These trainings are designed to enhance evidence collection, case-building and operational planning, while reinforcing ethical standards and respect for human rights.

Beyond technical training, the project fosters cross-border cooperation by strengthening professional networks among investigators and encouraging the exchange of knowledge and good practices. Regional review and knowledge-sharing activities further consolidate lessons learned and promote harmonized approaches to combating organized crime.

Key Components

SENTINEL is structured around three complementary training pillars designed to strengthen investigative professionalism and institutional capacity in combating transnational organized crime.

The first pillar, “Organized Crime Investigations and Investigation Techniques”, enhances the ability of law enforcement officers to conduct organized crime investigations in a structured and evidence-based manner. The course strengthens understanding of investigative processes and reinforces professional standards in the collection and handling of evidence.

The second pillar, “Special Techniques in Combating Organized Crime”, supports specialized units in developing a deeper understanding of the structure and functioning of criminal organizations. It strengthens their capacity to apply appropriate investigative approaches when addressing complex organized crime cases.

The third pillar, “Investigation Interview and Testimony Analysis”, focuses on improving the quality and reliability of investigative interviews. It reinforces officers’ ability to analyze statements and manage evidence in line with principles of justice, ethics and human rights.

Together, these components contribute to more coherent investigative practices and stronger institutional resilience in addressing organized crime across Central Asia.

In parallel, the project enhances regional cooperation and promotes cross-border engagement among participating States and supports the integration of acquired skills into national structures, ensuring that training outcomes translate into sustained operational impact.

Funding

SENTINEL is implemented over the period 2025–2028 under ExB Project 1102684, with a total budget of €662,028. The project is designed to maximize impact through cost-effective delivery mechanisms and strong partnerships.

To date, two participating states have contributed EUR 50,000 euros (France EUR 30,000 euros and Austria EUR 20,000).

A contribution of approximately EUR 35,000 enables the delivery of one regional specialized training course, directly strengthening operational capacities to combat organized crime across Central Asia.