From 11 to 13 September 2024, the CyberSEE Project supported the Serbian Police Presidency of South-East Europe Police Chiefs Association (SEPCA) to enhance the cybercrime investigations in South-East European countries by updating the cyber investigators skills on cryptocurrencies and online child sexual abuse and exploitation. The activity took place at the premises of the Western Balkans Capacity Centre (WB3C) and also benefitted from the support of Montenegro Police Directorate and of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Montenegro.
Police managers and investigators of Cybercrime Units of Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria and Austria joined the event and enhanced their knowledge on tools, techniques and good practices for investigation of virtual currencies and online sexual exploitation and abuse. The delegates were also introduced to the Council of Europe Guide on seizing cryptocurrencies, reiterating its practical value as a "toolbox" for cybercrime investigators providing essential steps for investigating and seizing virtual currencies through applied activities.
Held in an interactive learning format, the training contributed to the development of practical skills through real case studies and exercises on blockchain analysis, crypto wallets and tracing and seizing virtual coins. It also covered existing tools for collecting electronic evidence in online child sexual abuse cases, as well as the use of cryptocurrencies by suspects involved in producing and distributing such materials.
The CyberSEE project will continue to support the strengthening of capacities of criminal justice authorities in the region in the fight against cybercrime.
Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)
Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention
Guide on seizing cryptocurrencies (available upon request)
South-East Europe Police Chiefs Association (SEPCA)