From 25 to 29 November, the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the French Gendarmerie, the French Ministry of the Interior, and other key institutions, brought participants from the Moldovan General Police Inspectorate, General Inspectorate of the Border Police and the Customs Service to the French Gendarmerie for a study visit focused on canine (K9) capabilities.

Participants explored strategic approaches to advancing K9 services in line with European standards and good practices. Discussions focused on strategic management and operational frameworks shaping modern K9 operations.

“This study visit represents a unique opportunity for our Moldovan colleagues to observe our methods and modi operandi, but also for us all to exchange expertise and good practices with each other. By working together, we are building bridges to enhance canine operational excellence,” said Colonel Segui, Commander of the National Gendarmerie Dog Training Center in Gramat.

During the visit, participants engaged in practical demonstrations of French K9 training methods for detection, search and rescue, and organized crime operations. Hands-on sessions provided opportunities to implement lessons learned, while discussions and feedback exchanges offered actionable insights into integrating international standards into Moldova’s K9 services.

“The insights and experiences shared during this visit are transformative for the future of our K9 services. They provide a clear pathway for aligning with European good practices while addressing contemporary challenges,” said Olivia Sanduleac, Head of the K9 Unit of the Moldovan Customs Service.

This visit fostered international collaboration and mutual learning, equipping the participants with new perspectives on how to address evolving security challenges.

“The OSCE strives to foster collaboration with Moldovan law enforcement agencies to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency. By complementing this exchange with exposure to international and European experiences, we aim to support resilience against transnational crime and ensure their services meet modern challenges,” said Inesa Nicolaescu, Associate Border Security Officer at the OSCE.

The study visit was funded by the governments of France and the United States of America, under the OSCE's extra-budgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”. The project focuses on strengthening Moldovan law enforcement’s capacity to combat transnational organized crime both at the border and within the country, with financial support from the governments of Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland and France.