UNODC: Strengthening maritime investigations to counter crime at sea in Yemen

“One of the most valuable aspects of the course was learning how to transform fragmented information into actionable intelligence products that can support operational decision-making.”

For Yemen Coast Guard investigators, this can mean the difference between responding to an individual incident and understanding the wider criminal activity behind it. Yemen’s waters span the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic maritime corridor facing threats including narcotics trafficking, weapons smuggling, migrant smuggling, trafficking in persons and other forms of organized maritime crimes. These crimes can involve multiple vessels, facilitators and routes. A suspicious movement at sea, an irregular document or a piece of operational reporting may only become meaningful when assessed alongside other information. Investigators must be able to establish what it may indicate, who may be involved and what evidence is needed to support further action.

As part of strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities in Yemen, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through its Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), delivered a week-long training in Aden focused on maritime investigative techniques. The training enhanced the Yemen Coast Guard’s ability to analyze maritime information, support investigations, and respond to illicit activities at sea. The activity was supported by the European Union under the Regional Programme on Maritime Security in the Red Sea.

The course brought together Yemen Coast Guard officers from investigative and operational roles for presentations, discussions, case studies and practical exercises focused on the maritime security environment in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Participants examined how criminal groups use maritime routes to facilitate illicit activity and explored Maritime Domain Awareness and the intelligence cycle as tools for turning collected information into actionable intelligence. Using vessel-tracking systems, open-source material, human intelligence and operational reporting, officers practised evaluating information while safeguarding sensitive material. They also mapped the roles and relationships of individuals involved in criminal activity through link charts and timelines, and used Automatic Identification System data to identify vessel behaviour that may require further scrutiny, such as tracking gaps, prolonged loitering and possible ship-to-ship transfers. The course also covered core investigative procedures, including evidence collection and documentation, chain-of-custody requirements, interview preparation and assessing inconsistencies in information and testimony.

Sessions on smuggling and concealment methods, document-fraud indicators, analytical databases and information security further supported participants’ understanding of how information should be managed and safeguarded throughout an investigation.

The final exercises brought these elements together. Working through integrated maritime crime scenarios, participants applied the techniques covered during the course to identify potential leads, map connections and develop investigative approaches based on the information available.

For one investigator with the Yemen Coast Guard, the training offered a new way to approach the information encountered during daily work. Before attending the course, his investigations relied mainly on operational experience and information gathered during routine activities. While he had experience in maritime law enforcement, he had limited exposure to structured analytical methods for identifying leads, assessing suspicious vessel activity and supporting intelligence-led operations. “The training provided me with practical tools and techniques that have significantly improved my ability to analyze information, identify relationships between suspects and criminal networks, and support investigations using structured analytical methods,” he said.

He also highlighted the value of strengthening his understanding of evidence management, chain-of-custody procedures, interview preparation and document-fraud indicators. “As a result of this training, I now feel more confident in supporting maritime investigations, analyzing suspicious maritime activities, and contributing to intelligence-led operations. The knowledge gained will help me perform my duties more effectively and support the Yemen Coast Guard's efforts to combat maritime crime and enhance maritime security,” he added.

By strengthening the investigative and analytical skills of Yemen Coast Guard officers, UNODC is supporting a more proactive response to maritime crime. The training is helping officers better assess information, develop stronger investigations and help prevent and disrupt illicit activity at sea.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Mostafa Elbanna (Mostafa.Elbanna@un.org)

Gulf of Aden and Red Sea Programme Coordinator

Global Maritime Crime Programme

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime