UNODC trains T&T investigators to tackle darknet firearms trafficking
Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement completed a five-day UNODC course on darknet firearms trafficking and cryptocurrency tracing. The training covered blockchain analysis, Tor browsing, and digital evidence handling.
T&T investigators trained in darknet firearms and crypto tracing
Port of Spain, 15–19 September 2025 — The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) delivered a five-day national training course in Trinidad and Tobago focused on the investigation of firearms trafficking conducted through darknet platforms and cryptocurrency systems, unodc.org reports.
The course was organised through UNODC's Global Firearms Programme with financial backing from SALIENT. It brought together investigators, cybercrime specialists, intelligence officers, and prosecutors to build hands-on capability against online criminal networks dealing in firearms, parts, components, and ammunition.
The opening ceremony was addressed by Ms. Joanna Kazana, United Nations Resident Coordinator, who pointed to the growing convergence of cybercrime, organised crime, and illicit firearms flows as a key threat requiring stronger national and regional response capacity. Mr. Leonardo Lara, Acting Head of the UNODC Firearms Trafficking Section, underscored the need to equip frontline practitioners with digital investigative skills capable of matching the pace of online criminal markets.
The Honourable Roger Alexander, Minister of Homeland Security, delivered the keynote address, stressing the Government's commitment to confronting darknet-enabled crime and describing the training as central to strengthening national security institutions.
During the week, participants navigated the darknet in a controlled environment, learning how hidden marketplaces function and how criminal actors use encryption, anonymisation tools, and cryptocurrencies to conceal their activities. The curriculum included secure browsing practices, Tor and VPN technologies, dark web monitoring tools, digital evidence handling, and the steps required to identify illicit firearms listings online.
A dedicated component addressed cryptocurrency investigations. Participants created wallets on the Bitcoin testnet, executed simulated transactions, and practised blockchain analysis to trace illicit digital funds. They were also briefed on the legal and operational considerations involved in seizing cryptocurrency linked to firearms offences.
Scenario-based exercises formed a substantial portion of the programme. Teams mapped trafficking networks, traced cryptocurrency transactions, and compiled digital evidence packages suitable for use in court proceedings.
Two officers from CARICOM IMPACS participated in the course, reinforcing regional cooperation and supporting the harmonisation of investigative approaches across the Caribbean.
At the conclusion of the training, national authorities expressed strong interest in expanding their capabilities in advanced blockchain forensics, digital undercover operations, and cryptocurrency seizure procedures.
UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Trinidad and Tobago and its CARICOM partners in building institutional resilience against online-facilitated firearms trafficking. The activity forms part of broader efforts to reduce illicit arms flows in line with the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap and UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.4.
Source: Google News TT — Crime