Strengthening the Fight Against Cybercrime: A Training for Local Prosecutors and Investigators

17.06.2024

As cybercrime continues to evolve and pose a growing threat, it is crucial that local-level law enforcement be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively combat these digital threats. For this purpose, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) developed a specialized training program for prosecutors and investigators in the Western Balkans administrations with a view to building capacity at the local level. This week, 60 participants from Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska) attended a second round of intensive 4 day training, following a week of theoretical training .

This comprehensive training, led by experts from the WB3C and regional institutional experts, will equip 30 prosecutors and 30 investigators with the latest tools and techniques to tackle a range of cybercrime challenges. From darkweb, #cryptocurrency-based crimes and ransomware attacks to open-source intelligence gathering (OSINT) and mutual legal assistance (MLA), participants will engage in hands-on exercises to enhance their investigative capabilities.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening the capacity of local authorities to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. Through this collaborative effort, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be better equipped to protect their citizens and businesses from the devastating impacts of digital attacks.

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.

European People's Party Visit to WB3C

Yesterday, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from the European People's Party, led by Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Sahmanovic accompanied by State Secretary of the Ministry for Public Administration Dragisa Janjusevic and Aleksandar M. Andjic, Montenegro's National Coordinator for WB3C.

Director of WB3C, Gilles Schwoerer, along with Katarina Zajec, Minister Counsellor at the Slovenian Embassy in Podgorica, greeted the delegation. They provided a tour of our facilities and presented an overview of WB3C's mission and ongoing initiatives. In addition, our cybercrime experts introduced the guests to WB3C's cyber investigations curriculum, highlighting how we are equipping participants with practical skills to address real-world cybercrime challenges.

During the visit, our guests expressed interest in learning more about WB3C’s partnerships and shared ideas on how these collaborations could be further leveraged with EU stakeholders to support cybersecurity efforts in the region. Their insights contributed to a productive and friendly exchange, reinforcing the importance of strong partnerships in advancing regional cyber resilience.