Upon the request of the national stakeholders in Ukraine, including the State Financial Monitoring Service, Security Service, and Prosecutor General’s Office, the Project joined forces with the OSCE and EU Anti-Corruption Initiative and provided assistance in the field of open-source intelligence (OSINT). The training sessions, held in Kyiv from 24 to 27 October 2023, marked a significant step in empowering Ukrainian agencies in the fight against financial crimes using OSINT tools and techniques. 

The training sessions delved into advanced OSINT techniques, covering topics such as sophisticated deep web investigations, advanced search operators, and the utilisation of specialised OSINT tools and resources. Attendees gained insights into extracting valuable information from social media platforms, assessing source credibility, and navigating the dynamics of online communities related to financial crimes. Beyond technical skills, the course emphasized the crucial aspects of legal and ethical considerations in OSINT, including the protection of data privacy, compliance with regulations, and the respect for human rights.

The in-person format of the training provided participants with a unique hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios. Practical case-solving and collaborative exercises facilitated interactive learning, ensuring that participants could directly apply their skills to enhance their day-to-day operations.

By strengthening the OSINT capacities, the Project contributed to the broader goal of fortifying the nation's defenses against evolving threats of economic crimes.

This support is part of the European Union and the Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project “Enhancing anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing and asset recovery regime in Ukraine”.