POLICE-RELATED ACTIVITIES OF FIELD OPERATIONS SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE at 20 officers of the KP Directorate of Organized Crime Investigation and the Border Police Department. The training course covered topics such as the situation and trends in smuggling migrants on the Western Balkans route, the modus operandi of organized crime networks, and the indicators of migrant smuggling. In addition, through a case study on the investigation of migrant smuggling and their active participation, participants had an opportunity to enrich their knowledge in the investigation of smuggling of migrants by organized criminal networks through the Western Balkans route, but also to share their own experiences. Moreover, the presentation on the indicators for the identification of cases of migrant smuggling as an investigation tool is expected to further assist police officers involved in investigating such crimes. From 24 to 28 September, the Mission delivered a specialized training course to ten officers of the KP THB Directorate on performing static and dynamic surveillance on suspects engaged in THB, as well as victims and other people involved in the investigation of THB cases. The training mainly focused on the practical application of covert measures and aimed to develop and improve the participants’ ability to conduct surveillance and record evidence gathered in accordance with human rights norms. Participants mainly learned about pertinent human rights provisions and legal procedures in managing surveillance operations, co-operation and communication during the phases of such operations, techniques for mobile and foot surveillance of suspects, and behavioural patterns of surveillance operators. Particular focus was given to improving the abilities of participants to properly and lawfully collect evidence within public and private facilities. From 26 October to 13 November, the Mission, the KP Directorate for Investigation of THB, and ICITAP facilitated a series of meetings through a joint awareness-raising campaign to mark the EU Anti-Trafficking Day. The target audience of these campaign meetings consisted of around 600 students from universities and secondary schools in seven municipalities. During the meetings, students were provided with information brochures titled “I am not for sale”, printed with support of the Mission. Additionally, brief lectures on the topic were delivered by subject matter experts and a short film on THB was presented to students. At the end of each meeting, students also had an opportunity to discuss about issues related to THB through open debates. Recognizing that they are likely to play a key role in preventing this phenomenon in the future, the students showed great interest in the topic and valued the information conveyed. Cybercrime From 2 to 4 April, the Mission delivered a training course on contemporary trends and best practices on cases of child sexual abuse and internet recruiting to 20 officers of the KP Directorate for Investigation of THB and Cybercrime Unit. The training focused on recruitment methods of children to produce pornographic material, internet child sexual abuse, techniques in identifying cases of child sexual abuseand methods of recruiting victims of trafficking through fake online advertisement for sexual and other forms of exploitation. The interactive sessions contributed to fruitful discussions and sharing of experiences and best international practices, and in identifying various constraints that the police faces in this area, especially related to international co-operation. Participants showed particular interest in software tools and investigation methods for the identification of child sexual abuse cases, internet recruiting, and methods and techniques for gathering legal evidence against perpetrators. On 2 August, as part of the ExB project, “Strengthening the technical capabilities of KP to investigate and analyse cybercrimes” funded by the German Government, the Mission handed over two forensic workstation units and specialized software to the KP Cybercrime Unit. The equipment was selected against the background and specific needs of the KP, with an aim to enhance the capacities of cybercrime investigators to effectively and efficiently investigate and tackle cyber-related crime cases. Specifically, these assets are expected to assist the Cybercrime Unit in effectively handling evidence obtained from the crime scene before they are contaminated or lost. With the need to transport evidence to the KAF for an in-depth examination, where it typically takes time to obtain results, using the new equipment and software will enable the cybercrime investigators to process evidence instantly at the scene. This will also ensure the complete integrity of evidence during the entire handling process, while significantly shortening the process prior to the start of investigation. In October and November, the Mission facilitated two advanced and specialized training phases on tracking and analysing digital currencies for two prosecutors and nine investigators of the KP cybercrime and corruption investigation units. These two five-day training courses equipped the attendees with an understanding of the investigative process into digital currencies and the Darknet and involved them in solving mock investigative tasks through practical scenarios. As a result of the training, the police investigators and prosecutors reported that they were better able to identify suspicious transactions involving digital currencies, to take necessary measures and to conduct investigations appropriately. 77