Chemical biological, radiological and nuclear crime trial simulation, held at the National Institute of Justice

The National Institute of Justice and the United Nations Interregional Institute for Crime and Justice Research (UNICRI) organized, between April 1-3, 2025, training sessions dedicated to the simulation of criminal trials regarding crimes involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) substances. The action was a continuation of the pilot project started last year - "Prosecution and trial of crimes related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear substances", financed by the European Commission within the European Union Initiative on CBRN Centers of Excellence. This project, the first of its kind in the Republic of Moldova, aims to strengthen the institutional capacity to deliver training in this field, so that the National Institute of Justice becomes a regional center specialized in CBRN training.

During the three days, judges, prosecutors, prosecution officers and other key actors in the judicial system analyzed, in accordance with national law and standard operating procedures, criminal cases based on fictitious scenarios. The training activities were led by national and international experts who gave detailed presentations on CBRN processes, secure storage and transportation of CBRN materials, as well as the structure of the preliminary phase, hearing and judicial investigation.

An important aspect of the program was working in teams, the participants being involved in the preparation of a radiological-nuclear file and a chemical file. The practical sessions included pre-trial examination, preliminary hearing preparation, judicial investigation for both types of cases, culminating in the sentencing stage.

At the end, the President of the Superior Council of Prosecutors, Dumitru Obada, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Moldova, Ion Munteanu, and the Regional Coordinator of UNICRI, Talgat Toleubayev, handed out certificates of participation.

This training format allowed legal professionals to develop the skills necessary to handle complex cases involving CBRN substances, thus contributing to strengthening the capacity of the judicial system to respond effectively to this type of crime.

Next week, a group of Ukrainian prosecutors will participate in similar training activities in the field of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear crimes.