The consolidation of the first pool of national trainers on cybercrime and electronic evidence in Colombia is closer to become a reality. Building on the successful Training of Trainers (ToT) for justice and law enforcement officials (Bogotá, September 10–12 2024), the second phase of the training took place between 21-25 October 2024 and was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Superior Council of the Judiciary, and the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia. The activity targeted the same dedicated udges, agistrates, rosecutors, police and COLCERT (Colombian Cyber Emergency Response Group) representatives trained in the first session, each committed to further enhancing their knowledge and skills on cybercrime and e-evidence.
The advanced ToT course offered participants a dynamic approach in understanding the complexities of cybercrime and opportunities for cooperation at both domestic and international scale. The training began with a presentation of the substantive and procedural law provisions of the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention), progressed through e-evidence and cryptocurrencies and wrapped up with an engaging case study and a dynamic mock trial. Participants were assigned different roles and navigated an in-depth case scenario, progressing from the initial complaint through investigative steps, trial preparation and culminating in a realistic court exercise that encouraged high-stakes decision-making based on compelling legal evidence.
The interactive environment allowed participants to discuss viewpoints and address challenges in investigations in a diverse setting, bringing forward possible solutions such as a guide on submitting requests to Internet Service Providers and further legislative reform. At the same time, it was reiterated the need for continuous training focusing on specific topics such as preservation of data, chain of custody and admissibility of evidence, cryptocurrencies, cryptography, and Hash functions.
The GLACY-e project, a joint initiative endorsed by the European Union and the Council of Europe, supported the training programme and further steps are envisaged focusing on methodological aspects related to the delivery of cybercrime trainings, delivery of similar training to their colleagues, and to integrate cybercrime and electronic evidence modules into the curricula of Colombia’s national training academies for prosecutors and judges.
The training programme will not only strengthen the Colombian authorities’ capacity to manage cases involving cybercrime and electronic evidence in alignment with the standards of the Budapest Convention but will also enhance the international cooperation.
Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) [EN|ES] ; Explanatory Report [EN|ES]
Second Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime [EN|ES] ; Explanatory Report [EN|ES]
Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC)
GLACY-e: Training of Trainers for justice and law enforcement officials
The second phase of the Trainer of Trainers Program in Colombia
Advanced Course on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence in Bogota, Colombia.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
Superior Council of the Judiciary of Colombia
Office of the Attorney General of Colombia
COLCERT (Colombian Cyber Emergency Response Group)