As digital technologies continue to transform criminal activity, the ability of law enforcement officers to identify, collect, preserve, and properly handle digital evidence has become increasingly important for effective investigations.To address this need, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana supported the implementation of the National Cybercrime Training Framework for Law Enforcement and Judiciary (NCTF LEJ) through a series of training activities across Kazakhstan in September and October 2026. The initiative aimed to strengthen professional capacities of law enforcement agencies in addressing cybercrimes by providing law enforcement educational institutions with a training package, “Handling Digital Evidence During Investigative Actions” (Basic Level). The pilot series followed a two-stage approach, combining the preparation of national trainers with the subsequent professional development of active-duty police officers.The first stage took place in September 2026 and focused on preparing the teaching staff of educational institutions of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and other law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan through a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme. Three-day training sessions were held on 2-4 September at the MoI Management Academy in Astana, 7-9 September at the MoI Karaganda Academy, and 21-23 September at the MoI Almaty Academy.In addition to familiarizing participants with the course curriculum, the ToT programme equipped them with the methodological knowledge and practical tools required to independently deliver the training course. The sessions covered the legal framework and fundamental principles of handling electronic evidence, the management of digital crime scenes, and the documentation of investigative actions.Following the September ToT sessions, the newly prepared trainers put their knowledge into practice by delivering a series of professional development courses for active-duty police officers. The three-day courses took place on 7-9 October in Astana, 12-14 October in Karaganda and 27-29 October in Almaty, at the respective MoI educational institutions.The courses brought together first responders, general investigators, and other police personnel involved in handling digital evidence. Moving beyond theoretical knowledge, the training course focused on the practical challenges officers may encounter during investigative actions when handling digital evidence. Participants examined the legal admissibility of digital evidence, initial procedures at crime scenes, preparation for searches, and the specific considerations involved in handling various devices containing digital evidence.Practical sessions also addressed the proper packaging and labelling of electronic devices, documentation of searches and seizures, and photo and video recording at crime scenes. Through exercises, case studies, and practical scenarios, participants had the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the course. Entry and final assessments were conducted to evaluate learning outcomes.The training activities in Astana also provided a platform for interagency participation. Both the ToT programme and the professional development course brought together representatives of Kazakhstan Court Administration, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office of Kazakhstan, the Academy of the National Security Committee, Aktobe, Almaty, Karaganda and Kostanay MoI Academies, and the MoI Management Academy in Astana. Throughout both stages, international and national experts of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana provided expert and methodological support.The completion of the Basic Level marks the first stage of a broader, phased training programme designed within NCTF LEJ to strengthen Kazakhstan’s national capacity to combat cybercrime, enhance digital investigation capabilities and improve the handling of electronic evidence.The programme is envisaged to continue with Intermediate and Advanced Levels, providing opportunities for participants to progressively deepen their knowledge and develop more specialized practical competencies in handling digital evidence and conducting investigations involving digital technologies.The series was made possible through support from the governments of Finland, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom within the Office’s extrabudgetary project “Supporting the Republic of Kazakhstan in Developing Effective Policies on Countering Cybercrime”, implemented jointly with the Ministry of Interior and supported by the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan since August 2023.
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.
Click Here For The Original Source.
——————————————————–
