Strengthening international cooperation: EUAM workshop in Odesa focuses on countering cross-border crime
June 02, 2025
On 23 May 2025, the EUAM Ukraine conducted a workshop in Odesa to support law enforcement efforts in countering cross-border and organised crime. The event brought together investigators, operational units, and prosecutors to enhance inter-agency cooperation and promote effective international collaboration. Held at the EUAM Odesa Field Office’s Knowledge Hub, the workshop provided participants with practical insights into joint investigations and coordination mechanisms aligned with European standards. The agenda focused on real-life case studies and strategies for working with key international partners such as Europol and Eurojust.
A central theme of the workshop was the use of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) as a key tool in cross-border crime prevention. JITs allow law enforcement agencies from different countries to collaborate on specific cases – sharing intelligence, resources, and operational expertise in a coordinated manner. One notable example presented was “Case Veto,” a major Europol-led investigation into football match-fixing. The case involved authorities from 13 European countries and led to the dismantling of a significant international criminal network.
Key speakers of the event included Pawel Majcher, Polish Police Liaison Officer to Ukraine, and Arttu Granat, Finnish Police Liaison Officer to Ukraine. They led a session on joint investigations of drug trafficking, organised crime, and other cross-border offences, highlighting how early coordination and secure information exchange with EUROPOL and Eurojust can significantly strengthen investigations. The presence of international liaison officers underlined the importance of strong operational links between Ukrainian and EU institutions in addressing the growing complexity of transnational crime.
As cross-border crime continues to evolve, EUAM Ukraine remains committed to strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. Through strategic advice, training, and expert support, the Mission promotes alignment with EU standards and encourages the use of international cooperation tools such as JITs.
The workshop in Odesa represents another important step toward fostering a secure and resilient criminal justice system – one that is better equipped to respond to the challenges of modern organised crime.
