OSCE study visit strengthens Ukrainian-Belgian co-operation in countering cross-border trafficking via vehicle concealment

Criminals use hidden compartments in vehicles as a primary method for trafficking weapons and drugs across international borders. To address this challenge, the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre facilitated a high-level study visit for Ukrainian law enforcement authorities to the Belgian Federal Police in Brussels from 10 to 13 March.

Representatives of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine and the State Customs Service of Ukraine discussed practical ways to detect and investigate vehicle concealments.

Belgian experts presented their approach to vehicle concealment detection, training methods and legislative frameworks, with a strong focus on international co-operation and information exchange. The programme included expert presentations, workshops and practical field exercises, providing the Ukrainian participants with hands-on experience in applying advanced investigative theory within complex operational environments.

"We truly appreciate the opportunity to learn from our Belgian colleagues during this visit. Mastering these advanced methods for finding hidden compartments is a major step toward bringing European standards to Ukraine. For our law enforcement teams, this isn't just about technical skills — it’s about having the best possible tools to keep illegal weapons and drugs off our streets and, ultimately, to keep our people safe. We are eager to bring this newly gained expertise back home and share it with our fellow officers to strengthen our collective impact," said Yuriy Lysiuk, Major General, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

By enhancing technical skills and investigative capacities, this initiative strengthens inter-agency coordination within Ukraine, directly contributing to more secure borders in Ukraine and the wider OSCE region.

The visit was organized as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project "In support of strengthening the capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects". The initiative was funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.