POLICE-RELATED ACTIVITIES OF FIELD OPERATIONS
SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE
application, with a focus on investigation at an international
level as a key tool for combating drug trafficking. Each session
contributed to fruitful discussions, sharing of experiences
and identification of various constraints that the police face in
this area, especially in relation to international investigations.
To conclude this activity, on 22 May, the Mission organized
a practical specialized exercise, simulating an undercover
situation in Prishtinë/Priština, where participants had the
opportunity to practically demonstrate the skills gained
during these sessions.
From 11 to 15 November and from 2 to 6 December, upon the
request of the KP, the Mission delivered two training courses
on different drug trafficking investigation techniques to two
groups of 15 KP officers from the Directorate of Investigation
of Trafficking with Narcotics. During both courses,
participants acquired skills in investigating drug trafficking
cases - from the evidence collection phase to a successful
submission of case files to the court. Participants were
trained on recognizing new drugs and precursors, preparing
operational plans, conducting undercover operations,
physical surveillance, and interviewing and interrogation
techniques. The events further familiarized the participants
with international co-operation and the types of organized
crime involved in drug trafficking, clandestine laboratory
safety and marijuana cultivation investigations.
Trafficking in Human Beings &
Migration-related Crime
From 23 to 25 April, the Mission delivered a training course
on strengthening the inter-sectorial co-operation of relevant
institutions on THB in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North. The event
was attended by representatives of the KP Directorate for
Investigation of THB, Public Prosecutor’s Office, Victims’
Advocacy and Assistance Office, Basic Court, and civil
society. Through the use of lectures and various case studies,
participants gained a knowledge of issues relating to the
identification, protection, referral of victims of trafficking,
and investigation of THB cases and traffickers.
From 2 to 5 September, the Mission organized a workshop
to finalize the draft of the Strategy and Action Plan against
THB 2020-2025, gathering 30 participants representing all
relevant local institutions and international organizations
working on THB. With contribution of all stakeholders, the
new strategy and action plan was finalized, addressing also
the concerns and shortcomings identified in the Group of
Experts on Action against THB 2015 (GRETA) Report 3721,
and the US State Department Trafficking in Persons Report22,
21 GRETA (2015)37, Report on the compliance of Kosovo with the standards of the
Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings,
adopted on 22 December 2015 and published on 12 April 2016.
22
Trafficking in Persons Report, Department of State, US, published in June 2019.
with a focus on the wellbeing of victims of THB, from early
identification to re-integration.
From 16 to 18 October, in line with the Action Plan of the
Strategy against THB 2015-2019, the Mission organized a
training course for 26 communication officers from the MoIA,
KP, and journalists from different media outlets on using the
‘victims-first’ approach. The event aimed at strengthening the
THB prevention component and was designed to increase the
capacities of those participants who report on THB cases to
enhance professional communications and prevent the revictimization of trafficked persons. Participants also learned
about the importance of their co-operation in broadcasting
information, as well as in raising public awareness about THB.
On 17 December, the Mission facilitated a workshop on
the challenges in managing cases of THB for 16 senior
police managers from the central and regional levels of the
Directorate for Investigation of THB. Participants included
the Chief Prosecutor and the KP Director of Organized
Crime Department. During the event, participants discussed
the daily challenges they faced in the levels of co-operation
and co-ordination between the police and prosecution.
Participants also discussed the strategic approach and
identification of operational challenges in tackling THB while
developing new amendments (January 2019) to the Criminal
Code relating to THB.
Cybercrime
From 30 January to 1 February, the Mission organized
a workshop to review the annual implementation of the
Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2019. During
the review, the MoIA, as the main stakeholder, decided
to transfer the remaining activities that have not yet been
implemented, to the new mid-term strategy and action
plan due to be drafted in 2019. The event brought together
28 representatives from of the MoIA, MoJ, Ministry of
Economic Development (MoED), Ministry of Finance
(MoF), KP, Kosovo Regulatory of Electronic and Postal
Communication, Agency of Information Society and Agency
for Personal Data Protection, Mission and UNDP. As a result
of the workshop, 19 recommendations were subsequently
agreed and submitted to the MoIA for future improvements
in this area.
On 27 February, to assist the police in conducting effective
investigations of cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime cases,
the Mission provided the KP Cybercrime Investigation Sector
with high-end IT equipment. This donation complemented
the provision of hardware and software assets provided to
the unit in 2018, which further strengthens the capabilities
of the KP to analyse, combat and investigate various cyber
threats and crimes. This donation equipment will assist the
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