Montenegro Police Director Opens Crypto Assets Investigation Training

26.02.2025

Today, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) launched a specialized training program for Montenegrin police professionals and investigators, focusing on cryptography, blockchain technology and cryptocurrency transactions. The WB3C Director Gilles Schwoerer welcomed H.E. Anne-Marie Maskay, French Ambassador to Montenegro and Mr. Lazar Šćepanović, Acting Director of the Montenegro Police Administration, who officially opened the training, addressing the participants about the central place that cryptocurrency plays in criminal investigations today.

As financial crimes increasingly involve cryptocurrencies, understanding blockchain transactions, forensic tracing and crypto wallet analysis has become essential for law enforcement agencies. Throughout the week, participants will engage in hands-on exercises, practical case studies and advanced investigative techniques to strengthen their ability to track illicit financial flows and disrupt criminal networks operating in the digital space.

This week’s training is led by Lt. Yannick Casse, a WB3C expert in cybercrime investigations, who will guide participants through real-world applications of blockchain analysis, de-anonymization techniques and strategies for lawfully seizing digital assets. This training is just one in a series of programs planned under the cybercrime pillar which will be delivered to law enforcement professionals from the Western Balkans throughout the year. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the ability to leverage technology to disrupt criminal activity is essential for every police investigator. Our partnership with local police authorities and our funding partners provides a strong impetus for building sustainable investigative capabilities in Montenegro and the region.

Other news and events

Cyber Training for Judges and Prosecutors

WB3C has successfully concluded a three-day training programme designed to strengthen the capacities of local judges and prosecutors in addressing cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime.

Delivered by WB3C’s in-house trainers, the programme provided participants with a solid foundation to better understand, manage and process complex digital cases.

The training was structured into four thematic blocks:

Typology of cybercrime
Digital evidence collection
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Introduction to cryptocurrencies

This activity is part of WB3C’s ongoing efforts to support the judiciary in building the necessary knowledge and tools to respond to evolving cyber threats.

OSINT Training for Law Enforcement

Today, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) launched a specialized training program designed to equip law enforcement professionals from the Western Balkans with practical skills in open-source intelligence (OSINT) and digital investigations. The training is being led by Brigadier Chief Cyril C. of the French National Police, WB3C's in-house trainer, whose extensive expertise ensures participants gain valuable insights grounded in real-world investigative experience.

The program combines theoretical learning with practical exercises, enhancing participants' ability to identify threats, gather digital evidence in lawful ways and support informed decision-making.

The training will address critical aspects of digital evidence preservation, security checks to prevent data leaks, and safe navigation of the darknet.

Additionally, participants will develop skills in data collection and metadata analysis to extract valuable insights from publicly available information.
This initiative is designed for English-speaking law enforcement officers, particularly those attending WB3C training for the first time, reinforcing their capacity to address emerging digital threats.

Balkan Cybersecurity Days 2025

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) has the pleasure of hosting the 3-day Balkan Cybersecurity Days 2025 conference, co-organized by DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance in collaboration with CIRT.ME and supported by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This conference reflects WB3C’s ongoing partnership with DCAF, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening cybersecurity capabilities across the Western Balkans.

The conference opened yesterday at the Naučno-tehnološki park Crne Gore / Science Technology Park of Montenegro, bringing together around 150 cybersecurity professionals from across the region. Opening remarks were delivered by Gilles Schwoerer, Head of WB3C, alongside British Ambassador Dawn McKen and Montenegrin Minister of Public Administration Marash Dukaj, whose Ministry is leading on the digital and cyber agenda in Montenegro. Franziska Klopfer, Principal Programme Manager at DCAF, and Serge Droz, Member of the Board of Directors at FIRST, also shared their perspectives on strengthening partnerships and enhancing cyber resilience.

In his address, Gilles Schwoerer highlighted WB3C’s central role in providing sustainable, long-term capacity building to the region across three pillars: cybersecurity, cybercrime and cyberdiplomacy, but also our role in strengthening regional cooperation and supporting the EU alignment process for all Western Balkans administrations.

Over the three days, the conference will continue with expert-led discussions and specialized training sessions designed to equip participants with practical skills in addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges.