Enhancing Efforts of Ukrainian Law Enforcement Agencies Against Organised Crime

September 01, 2023

Organised crime poses a substantial threat to the stability and security of societies.

Empowering Ukrainian Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) is key to counteract these illicit activities and make Ukraine a safer place for its citizens.

Bolstering the fight against organised crime was at the core of the Regional Organised Crime Task Forces Workshop (ROCTaF), oraganised by the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine, together with the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine (OPG) in Odesa on 29-30 August 2023.

Thirty-two participants from various Law Enforcement Agencies attended the workshop, aimed at enhancing their abilities in the battle against organised crime.

The program was designed to align with this goal, focusing on a comprehensive understanding of the ROCTaF guidelines prepared by the OPG. Moreover, the participants were provided with examples of real scenarios showcasing the efficacy of inter-agency working groups dedicated to countering organised crime.

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions and identify gaps in the existing approach to inter-agency cooperation within Ukrainian LEAs. By addressing these gaps, the workshop aimed to pave the way for more effective collaboration in investigating organised crime cases.

Leveraging its expertise, EUAM shared insights into successful coordination and cooperation mechanisms used within the European Union, which have proven instrumental in dismantling intricate criminal networks. By offering this knowledge, the workshop aimed at creating a robust platform for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement among Ukrainian LEAs.

Fostered by EUAM Ukraine, a collaborative approach between the OPG and LEAs from various regions, allows for the exchange for insights and expertise of key stakeholders in shaping a strategy for promoting and improving ROCTaFs in Ukraine.

As the fight against organised crime requires multifaceted strategies and concerted efforts, initiatives like these play a crucial role in building a resilient defence against the challenges posed by criminal networks.