Cryptocurrency and online child sexual abuse and exploitation

09.09.2024

As technology advances, the online exploitation of children has become one of the most pressing challenges confronting law enforcement worldwide.
From 10-13 September 2024, WB3C will host a workshop for law enforcement professionals and cybersecurity experts from SEPCA member countries, focusing on cryptocurrency and online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The workshop is organized by WB3C in partnership with the Southeast Europe Police Chiefs Association (SEPCA), Council of Europe (COE), OSCE, Austrian Cybercrime Competence Centre (C4), and the Ministry of Interior of Serbia.
WB3C experts, together with our partners, will lead an intense 3-day program addressing three critical areas:

1. Cryptocurrency Investigations:
This session explores the use of cryptocurrencies in criminal activities, particularly involving children. Participants will receive practical training on blockchain tracing, asset seizure, and using specialized tools to track illicit transactions, including best practices for evaluating wallets and understanding derivation paths.

2. Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Online:
Investigators will receive training on disrupting illegal networks involving exploitation of children, focusing on international cooperation. The session covers psychological support for investigators who are dealing with this highly distressing issue, and discusses undercover operations, digital platforms used for child abuse, and methods for collecting electronic evidence.

3. Cross-Border Collaboration:
The workshop will enhance collaboration among law enforcement agencies from the region and international partners. The goal is to share knowledge, foster coordination, and provide updates on efforts to combat cybercrime globally.

This event marks a significant step in our shared mission to protect children from exploitation and hold those who use emerging technologies for illicit purposes accountable. Together, we can strengthen tools and techniques to safeguard vulnerable communities and dismantle criminal networks.

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.