The investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of crimes involving Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) materials remain among the most complex challenges facing modern justice systems. These crimes often involve highly technical evidence, cross-border implications, and significant risks to public safety. For countries where legal frameworks, regulations, and standard operating procedures (SoPs) are still developing or incomplete, these challenges are even more pronounced.
Addressing these gaps requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. This was the focus of the CBRN Criminalization Workshop held on 25-26 June 2026 in Moldova within the framework of the “Themis” project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Norwegian Radiation Safety Authority. Criminalizing the full spectrum of CBRN-related offences, ranging from illicit trafficking to misuse of hazardous materials, is both a difficult and essential task. It demands not only robust legislation but also alignment with international legal obligations, institutional coordination, and operational readiness.
A “One-Stop-Shop” Approach to CBRN Criminalization
In this context, the workshop served as a “one-stop-shop” platform, bringing together policymakers, prosecutors, investigators, and technical experts to address the entire spectrum of CBRN criminalization. The workshop aimed to strengthen national capacities by combining legal, operational, and strategic perspectives into one integrated programme.
Participants explored the complexities of criminalizing CBRN-related offences and aligning national frameworks with international legal instruments. The global legal architecture governing CBRN risks is extensive and multifaceted, comprising several key treaties and mechanisms, including:
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), implemented under the mandate of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), overseen by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), administered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
The UN Secretary-General’s Mechanism (UNSGM) for investigating alleged use of chemical and biological weapons
Understanding how these international frameworks translate into national legislation is fundamental to build effective CBRN criminalization regimes.
From Theory to Practice: Comprehensive Training Sessions
The workshop in Moldova combined theoretical instruction with hands-on exercises to ensure participants could apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Key sessions included:
CBRN Legislation Around the World: Comparative insights into how different countries address CBRN crimes
Human Rights Considerations in Prosecuting CBRN Crimes: Ensuring due process and the protection of fundamental rights while addressing security threats
CBRN Security and Safety Legislation in Moldova: Reviewing existing national laws and identifying gaps
International Cooperation in Prosecution: Mechanisms for cross-border legal cooperation
CBRN Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs): Operational guidelines for responding to incidents
Roles and Responsibilities During a CBRN Incident: A practical exercise simulating inter-agency coordination during a crisis
These sessions allowed participants to bridge the gap between legal theory and operational implementation, fostering a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different actors.
Interactive Learning Through the “World Café”
A highlight of the workshop was the use of the “World Café” methodology, an interactive format that encouraged participants to collaboratively explore legislative advocacy pathways for CBRN criminalization. Through structured discussions, participants tested practical approaches to supporting policy development, enhancing legal frameworks, and promoting inter-agency collaboration.
This participatory approach enabled stakeholders to share experiences, identify common challenges, and jointly develop solutions tailored to Moldova’s specific legal and institutional contexts.
Identifying Gaps and Setting Priorities
An important outcome of the workshop was the identification of key needs, gaps, and priorities in Moldova’s CBRN legal and operational framework. These findings will help inform future capacity-building activities, ensuring that subsequent courses are targeted and responsive to the country’s evolving needs.
This iterative approach underscores the importance of sustained engagement and continuous improvement in building resilient CBRN governance systems.
Background: Themis project and training courses
Funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, the Themis project is implemented by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).
The project supports Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in strengthening national capacities to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to chemical and broader chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) security threats. More specifically, it enhances the operational capacities of intelligence, law enforcement, investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial authorities to address the growing risk of chemical weapons misuse and hazardous materials trafficking by non-State actors, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk environments. The project contributes to reducing vulnerabilities to CBRN incidents and to reinforcing national resilience against these threats by strengthening sustainable training systems, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and promoting alignment with international standards.
The CBRN criminalization workshop serves as a continuation of the broader efforts to increase the capacity of Moldova to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate crimes involving CBRN materials, implemented under the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence (EU CBRN CoE) Initiative, which has successfully delivered CBRN criminalization workshops in six countries. This regional effort aims to harmonise legal approaches, strengthen international cooperation, and enhance preparedness against CBRN threats.
