Ukrainian law enforcement improve cybercrime investigation skills at OSCE–organized training

Twenty Ukrainian police officers and experts improved their knowledge and skills in investigating cyber-related crimes at a six-day intensive training course, organized in Kyiv by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. The course, held at the request of the country’s Interior Ministry, ended on 14 June 2014. 

International experts presented officers of the Ministry’s specialized units from the central office and six regional centers with skills and details of handling cases related to malware distribution, network infrastructure attacks as well as the storage and distribution of child pornography. Among other topics were techniques for identifying and establishing the location of a suspect, uncovering and gathering evidence of cybercrimes, including how to counter attempts to hide and encrypt data.

The training is designed to support the Ministry of Interior in strengthening its teams responsible for combating digital crime. This is particularly relevant now since according to data from the Ministry, the number of cybercrime cases has risen from 1,374 in 2012 to 4,525 in 2013. During the first five months of 2014, 2,230 cases were recorded.

Educators from National Academy of Interior also took part in the training and this will ensure that the skills and knowledge is transferred further on to other personnel.

Similar training courses have been conducted with the support of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in previous years. Other assistance in this area included a needs assessment for teaching law enforcement on cybercrime investigation techniques, while a special training room for Interior Ministry personnel was also provided with equipment.