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Second session of year-long Digital Investigations course successfully completed

30.04.2025

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Over the past two weeks, law enforcement professionals from across the Western Balkans have continued their journey in mastering digital forensic techniques as part of the one-year university-level course delivered by the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT).

This programme, acredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education, tailored for criminal investigators, focuses on equipping participants with practical and theoretical tools for conducting effective digital investigations. Final exams are scheduled for November, and we are pleased to see strong progress and engagement from all students.

We thank our partners from XRATOR – a trusted French cybersecurity firm specializing in advanced security audits and continuous threat exposure management – for their support in delivering critical expertise to the programme.

The next 2-week session scheduled in June will continue building capabilities that directly strengthen the region’s fight against cybercrime.
 


Empowering Albania’s institutions to fight cybercrime

This week, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) partnered with UNDP Albania to deliver an intensive Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) training for 20 law enforcement officers and prosecutors from across Albania.

Led by a French expert from Office Anti-Cybercriminalite (OFAC)  the session equipped participants with techniques to gather, analyze and leverage publicly available information for complex cybercrime investigations. 

Why this matters? 

Combatting cybercrime is a core strategic pillar for us. Strengthening the capabilities of regional institutions to investigate and prosecute digital threats is vital both for the security, economic prosperity and the European integration of the region. 

A huge thank you to:
• The committed Albanian officers and prosecutors for their proactive engagement
• UNDP Albania for their invaluable partnership
• Our OFAC expert for sharing critical expertise and real-world insights.

This week, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) partnered with UNDP Albania to deliver an intensive Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) training for 20 law enforcement officers and prosecutors from across Albania.

Led by a French expert from OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control), the session equipped participants with techniques to gather, analyze and leverage publicly available information for complex cybercrime investigations. 

Why this matters? 

Combatting cybercrime is a core strategic pillar for us. Strengthening the capabilities of regional institutions to investigate and prosecute digital threats is vital both for the security, economic prosperity and the European integration of the region. 

A huge thank you to:
• The committed Albanian officers and prosecutors for their proactive engagement
• UNDP Albania for their invaluable partnership
• Our OFAC expert for sharing critical expertise and real-world insights.

Specialized training for Kosovo* prosecutors with HAPE

From May 26 to 29, WB3C organized a specialized training course for Kosovo* prosecutors and law enforcement officials, as part of the Home Affairs Programme of the EU in Kosovo (HAPE).

This training, delivered by the two WB3C trainers, supported Kosovo's* efforts to strengthen institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute serious cybercrime, particularly in the areas of organized crime, corruption, cyber threats, and counterterrorism.

This initiative is part of a broader EU-supported effort to improve operational readiness in key areas, including financial crime, cybercrime, and border management, and to foster regional and cross-border cooperation in accordance with European standards. As the region's central training platform, WB3C was pleased to be able to contribute to regional cyber capacity building initiatives in support of European integration and the rule of law.

 

*References to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

Building the Next Generation of Cyber Talent

Last week in Durres, Albania, 60 students from across the Western Balkans came together for the Western Balkan Cyber Camp 2025 - a dynamic, hands-on learning experience focused on building practical skills and regional collaboration in cybersecurity. The camp featured expert-led sessions, live cyber drills and exchanges with professionals from national CSIRTs, giving participants the chance to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and deepen their understanding of today’s digital threats.
Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) was proud to support this important regional initiative, alongside Autoriteti Kombëtar për Sigurinë Kibernetike / National Cyber Security Authority, OSCE Presence in Albania, e-Governance Academy and GIZ Albania HR.

The WB3C delegation was led by Gilles Schwoerer, Head of WB3C, who emphasized our ongoing commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and investing in the next generation of cyber talent.

At WB3C, we see events like this as essential to creating a resilient digital future - by connecting people, sharing knowledge and empowering the cyber professionals of tomorrow.


Copyright © WB3C

Disclaimer: Translations of the original content written in English into other languages are AI generated by Weglot.