Cybercrime

Successful international co-operation in criminal cases concerning electronic evidence relies on an in-depth understanding and use of the tools and procedures outlined by the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) and its Second Additional Protocol on enhanced co-operation and disclosure of electronic evidence. These topics were at the forefront of the training on the application of co-operation provisions which took place on 7-8 November 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia. This exercise was organised by the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Justice of RA and the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of RA and supported by the CyberEast+ project, a joint venture of the Council of Europe and of the European Union.

The course brought together representatives of the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, CERT, Personal Data Protection Agency, alongside members of the main investigative agencies of the Republic of Armenia and law enforcement officials working on cybercrime and e-evidence investigations. Discussions focused on the international co-operation mechanisms under the Budapest Convention (including  Mutual Legal Assistance and 24/7 point of contact) and the Second Additional Protocol, with a particular emphasis  on data protection and human rights safeguards, according to Article 15 of the Convention. Participants also exchanged views and shared good practices regarding the internal mechanisms of co-operation with the private sector, especially in digital evidence acquisition.  

During the final day of the training, Armenian counterparts successfully completed an investigation exercise regarding an online investment fraud case. Using both criminal and financial investigation tools, the participants acquired digital evidence through transnational co-operation.

The European Commission and the Council of Europe are committed to continue to strengthen operational skills and competencies of dedicated cybercrime units in the Republic of Armenia and in the Eastern Partnership region.

CyberEast+ Project Webpage

Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)

Second Additional Protocol on enhanced co-operation and disclosure of electronic evidence

The 24/7 Network established under the Convention on Cybercrime

Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Armenia,

Ministry of Justice of RA

Ministry of High-Tech Industry of RA