FBI AGENTS SUCCESSFULLY TRAIN MONGOLIAN CRIMINAL

UNCLAS ULAANBAATAR 000193 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/CM AND INL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PREL EFIN KCOR PGOV MG SUBJECT: FBI AGENTS SUCCESSFULLY TRAIN MONGOLIAN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Three FBI Special Agents carried out a successful week-long training session in Ulaanbaatar March 24 to 28 for 30 criminal investigators from the Mongolian National Police Agency (MNPA) and the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC). Beijing-based Legal Attach Hendershot also attended, using the opportunity to establish productive conducts with officials of the MNPA, IAAC and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The trainees, trainers, and all other participants said they found the session worthwhile, and echoed P the Government of Mongolia's (GOM) request, supported by post, for more training, cooperation and interaction between U.S. and Mongolian law enforcement. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) A three-person team of FBI Supervisory Special Agents trained 30 Mongolian investigators in Ulaanbaatar March 24 to 28 in the he first of two courses proposed by the FBI with funding provided by U.S. Department of State's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau channeled through USAID and coordinated by INL. The second course will focus on basic evidence response; a schedule for this training has not yet been determined. Its purpose, like that of the first course, is to strengthen the rule of law and build capacity in the law-enforcement community. ¶3. (SBU) In addition to enlightening the Mongolian investigators, the Major Case Management training enabled Beijing LegAtt Hendershot to interact with his Mongolian counterparts. During the week, a number of Mongolian officials made clear that they favor facilitating increased bilateral cooperation on criminal investigations. Among those who made this clear were Amarbold, Acting Commissioner General of the MNPA; IAAC Administrative Commissioner Badarch; and State Secretary G. Bayasgalan of the MoJ. Each of their meetings highlighted the fact that no treaty, MOU, or agreement exists regarding legal assistance between the two countries. The LegAtt explained that despite the lack of an agreement, there are many types of information and assistance that can be provided regarding investigations that do not require a treaty, MOU, or formal agreement. ¶4. (SBU) Initial comments from the three FBI trainers shared post's views on the capabilities and potential of Mongolian law-enforcement officers. They characterized the officers as dedicated professionals open to new ideas and willing to learn. However, the FBI Special Agents concluded, a majority of trainees lack the know-how and sophistication to effectively investigate complex crimes such as high-level corruption, cyber-crime or complicated crimes involving significant forensic or circumstantial evidence. These are the very areas in which the MNPA and IAAC would like to see further training, based on previous discussions with post and visitors from INL. ¶5. (SBU) The DCM addressed the Mongolian investigators at the training session, stressing their importance to popular confidence in and commitment to the rule of law as vital to Mongolia's democratic and economic development. He also encouraged them to develop ties with their U.S. law enforcement counterparts. ¶6. (SBU) Post looks forward to organizing the second training session, on basic evidence response, and hopes that the success of the first session will draw greater attention to the profound need for greater cooperation between U.S. and Mongolian law enforcement authorities. Minister of Justice (and former Foreign Minister) Munkh Orgil specifically asked for increased training and cooperation when the Ambassador met with him earlier this year. This and future training sessions have been cited as demonstrating the USG's responsiveness to Mongolia's needs and requests. ¶7. (U) LegAtt and FBI trainers did not have an opportunity to clear this message. GOLDBECK