OSCE discusses approaches to prosecuting cybercrime aspects of trafficking in Ukraine

KYIV, 25 October 2011 – A roundtable discussion on prosecuting cybercrime in Ukraine took place in Kyiv today.

The event, jointly organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU) and Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior, gathered national and international experts to discuss best practices in the investigation of cybercrime, with a particular focus on the trafficking of children exploited in the pornographic industry.

“Cyber channels are being increasingly used in trafficking crimes with apparent impunity, and today’s event is a clear sign that Ukrainian law enforcement is ready to stand up to these challenges,” said Ambassador Lubomir Kopaj, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

"The Ministry of Interior of Ukraine identifies combating cybercrime as a priority area of its work," said Ruslan Pakhomov, the Head of Division for Combating Cybercrime, of the Interior Ministry’s Department for Combating Cybercrime and Trafficking in Human Beings. “That’s why international co-operation in this area is of utmost importance”.

The findings and recommendations of a PCU-facilitated assessment of the training and equipment needs of the Ukrainian anti-cybercrime police units were presented during the event. The participants also received an overview of software that can be effectively used to combat cyber crime both in Ukraine and in other countries in Europe.

The event is organized as part of a PCU-implemented project to advance the capacity of Ukrainian institutions to better prosecute trafficking in human beings and assist victims.