As cross-border crimes grow increasingly complex, customs authorities worldwide face unprecedented challenges in effectively gathering and utilizing evidence to bring criminals to justice. This issue took center stage at the second World Customs Organization (WCO) Countering Proliferation of Explosive Substances (COPES) regional workshop, held recently in Baku, Azerbaijan, offering a valuable platform for learning and collaboration among regional customs officials.
Baku Workshop: Enhancing Regional Evidence-Gathering Capabilities
From November 24 to 26, 2015, the second WCO COPES regional workshop convened in Baku, organized in partnership with the WCO, the Europe Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB), and the Azerbaijan State Customs Committee. The event, hosted at the ROCB premises, was inaugurated by Major General Guloglan Muradli, Head of the Azerbaijan Customs Department. Nineteen representatives from eight countries—Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan—participated in the sessions.
As part of the second phase of the COPES program, the workshop focused on reinforcing the importance of evidence collection to support investigations and prosecutions. Conducted in English and Russian, the training brought together customs managers and frontline officers for highly interactive sessions. Participants gained a deeper understanding of COPES objectives and acquired practical techniques for evidence gathering.
The COPES Initiative: A Strategic Response to Cross-Border Crime
The COPES program, established by the WCO to combat the rising threat of transnational crime, provides training, technical assistance, and international cooperation to strengthen customs agencies' ability to tackle counterfeit and illicit goods. Evidence collection remains a cornerstone of the initiative, as high-quality evidence is critical for successful prosecutions.
In cross-border cases, evidence is often scattered across multiple jurisdictions, making its collection exceptionally challenging. COPES addresses this by fostering international collaboration, enabling customs authorities to share intelligence and coordinate efforts. The program also enhances officers' technical skills, equipping them to identify and collect diverse forms of evidence, including digital traces, physical materials, and witness testimonies.
Workshop Highlights: Interactive Learning and Knowledge Exchange
The Baku workshop emphasized hands-on training, with participants engaging in case studies, simulations, and group discussions. These activities allowed attendees to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The event also served as a forum for sharing best practices, with officers from different countries presenting their experiences.
Ukrainian customs officials, for instance, detailed innovative methods for identifying counterfeit pharmaceuticals by analyzing their composition and supply chains. Meanwhile, Kazakhstani delegates showcased DNA-based techniques to trace illegally traded wildlife, demonstrating how forensic tools can bolster enforcement efforts.
Closing Remarks: A Foundation for Future Collaboration
At the closing ceremony, ROCB Europe Director Roger Hermann and Major General Muradli praised the workshop's content and structure. Muradli expressed hope for a future national COPES seminar in Azerbaijan, uniting customs personnel, law enforcement experts, and prosecutors to further refine evidence-collection strategies.
The workshop's success not only advanced regional capabilities but also laid the groundwork for sustained international cooperation. The WCO remains committed to expanding the COPES program, offering continued support to customs agencies in their fight against transnational crime.
The Road Ahead for COPES
Moving forward, COPES will remain pivotal in countering cross-border criminal networks. The program will expand training initiatives, technical resources, and collaborative frameworks while adapting to emerging threats such as cybercrime and cryptocurrency-related offenses.
Strengthening partnerships with the private sector will be essential, as industry expertise and technology—such as advanced data analytics—can significantly enhance customs operations. By fostering multilateral cooperation and innovation, COPES aims to contribute to a safer and more secure global trade environment.