The European Union (EU) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Centres of Excellence (CoE) Initiative continues its crucial work in strengthening the capacities of professionals involved in combating CBRN threats in Moldova. One of the cornerstone activities in this initiative is the Mock Trial for CBRN practitioners, a hands-on training program designed to enhance the skills of law enforcement, prosecutors, investigators, and other relevant stakeholders in investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating CBRN-related crimes.
The Mock Trial is not merely a standalone event; it serves as a logical continuation of previous theoretical courses within the EU CBRN CoE Initiative. These theoretical courses laid the groundwork for understanding the complexities of CBRN incidents, and the Mock Trial offers participants the opportunity to test their knowledge in practice. By applying what they have learned in real-world scenarios, participants gain invaluable practical experience in managing such critical incidents.
A significant strength of the Mock Trial is its active involvement of practising professionals. The training brings together prosecutors, judges, investigators, forensic experts, law enforcement, and other key stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Their participation ensures that the training mirrors real-world practices, allowing trainees to interact with experts and receive real-time feedback on their approach to the cases at hand.
The Mock Trial participants were divided into two teams, each tasked with preparing a criminal case for investigation, prosecution and adjudication. One team was given a chemical incident scenario, requiring them to investigate and prosecute a chemical crime with the guidance of experienced subject matter experts. The other team received a radiological/nuclear incident scenario, focused on the prosecution of a fictitious radiological or nuclear incident.
In addition to their primary role as the prosecution team for their respective cases, each team also played the role of the defence side for the opposing team's case. This dual role enriched the participants' understanding of both prosecution and defence strategies, broadening their skills and providing a comprehensive view of the criminal justice process.
A key strength of the Mock Trial lies in its perfect alignment with existing national legislation. Using Moldova's Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and other relevant legislation as the foundation, participants successfully adjudicated the simulated cases, ensuring that their actions were in line with national laws and procedures. This adherence to local legal frameworks is essential for ensuring that the training is not only realistic but also directly applicable to the participants' real-world responsibilities.
Moreover, this approach ensures that the training methodology, grounded in the "bottoms up" approach, matches the specific needs and priorities of the host country, Moldova. It allows trainees to work within their national legal and procedural context, addressing any gaps or challenges they may face in real-world CBRN incidents.
The Mock Trial was hosted at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) of Moldova from 1 to 3 April 2025, which provided the ideal training environment. The NIJ’s advanced training facilities are specially adapted for such activities, ensuring a professional and effective learning space for participants. The NIJ’s Director, Ms. Ramona Strugariu, reiterated her institute’s readiness to host future training activities and integrate some of the selected courses as part of the national training curriculum for future prosecutors and judges. The NIJ has played a pivotal role in this initiative, not only hosting the training but also becoming a regional training hub for future courses aimed at strengthening CBRN investigation, prosecution, and adjudication (IPA) capabilities.
The pilot project, under the auspices of the European Commission’s Foreign Policy Instruments, aims to enhance the capabilities of beneficiary countries to effectively investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate CBRN-related crimes. The EU CBRN CoE Initiative, in collaboration with UNICRI, developed and conducted the entire series of training modules, titled “From the CBRN Crime Scene to Courtroom”. This comprehensive training package has been recognized internationally, with fourteen countries officially requesting the programme to strengthen their own CBRN IPA capabilities.
This Mock Trial exercise is part of a broader capacity-building effort designed to ensure that professionals across the globe are well-equipped to handle the growing threats posed by CBRN incidents. By engaging a wide range of stakeholders, from law enforcement to forensic experts, and aligning the training with national legal frameworks, the EU CBRN CoE Initiative ensures that countries have the practical tools and expertise needed to respond to CBRN challenges effectively.
Twenty-eight CBRN practitioners from Moldova were awarded certificates upon successfully completing a comprehensive four-part capacity-building training programme. The programme included the Tabletop Exercise, CBRN Criminalisation Workshop, Building a Case for Prosecution, and the Moot Court session, equipping participants with the essential skills and knowledge for handling CBRN-related crimes. The primary objective of this pilot project is to ensure its long-term sustainability by integrating selected training courses into the national curriculum. To achieve this, a Train-the-Trainer course for 8-10 instructors from Moldova will be conducted, equipping them with the skills needed to deliver the training and ensure its continued success within the country.
The Mock Trial for CBRN practitioners is a critical component of the EU CBRN CoE Initiative’s efforts to strengthen the international response to CBRN crimes.
By offering a realistic, hands-on training experience that aligns with national legal frameworks, the initiative provides participants with the opportunity to test their skills in real-world scenarios. Through these efforts, the EU CBRN CoE Initiative continues to make significant strides in enhancing the global capacity to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate CBRN crimes, contributing to a safer and more secure world for all.