Organised in Marrakech from 19 to 21 May 2026 within the framework of the CyberSEE, CyberSouth+, CyberSPEX, GLACY-e and Octopus projects and in close partnership with INTERPOL and Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) and General Directorate for Information Systems Security (DGSSI), the second edition of the Cyber Games and Digital Security Challenge brought together law enforcement representatives and cybersecurity specialists from 50 countries across the globe. Building on the success of the inaugural edition held in Malaysia in 2025, and reflecting Africa’s growing capacity to combat cybercrime, this edition marked a historic milestone as the first time the event was hosted on the African continent.
During the opening session, Mr. Mohamed Dkhissi, Director of the Judicial Police of the General Directorate of National Security and INTERPOL Vice President for Africa, underlined Morocco's integrated strategy to combat cybercrime in line with its commitments under the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) and its additional protocols.
General Abdellah Boutrig, Director-General of the General Directorate for Information Systems Security, highlighted Morocco's growing experience with cyber threats, including DDoS and ransomware attacks, data theft and the use of AI by criminal networks, stressing the need for continuous preparedness and international cooperation.
Mr. Virgil Spiridon, Head of the Cybercrime Programme Office of the Council of Europe emphasised that such actions as the Cyber Games strengthen cross-border coordination in tackling complex cybercrime threats, through hands-on exercises built around the international cooperation tools and instruments developed by the Council of Europe.
From nearly 400 applicants, the 160 pre-selected top performers competed in mixed teams of police, forensics, and cybersecurity professionals, engaging in six investigative scenarios on ransomware, cryptocurrency tracing, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), digital forensics, asset seizure, and evidence-to-prosecution case building, using the Convention on Cybercrime and its Second Additional Protocol. The event also integrated the INTERPOL Digital Security Challenge, enabling further collaboration for a global response to cyber threats.
The Cyber Games boosted participants’ skills in cybercrime investigations and digital forensics, while deepening understanding of international instruments and fostering cross-border cooperation and learning.
Relying on the strong foundation and success of such initiative, the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC) will continue to support countries worldwide in strengthening criminal justice capacities on cybercrime and electronic evidence, with the third edition of the Cyber Games planned for 2027 in Europe.
Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC)
CyberSEE Project
CyberSouth+ Project
CyberSPEX Project
GLACY-e Project
Octopus Project