A group of 24 judges, prosecutors, and legal professionals from across Kosovo* gathered in Istog on 12–13 June 2025 for an Introductory Training Course on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence, organised under the CYBERKOP Action of the Octopus Project, in cooperation with the Academy of Justice of Kosovo.
Emily Klatt Sanchez, Program Coordinator of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Affairs (INL) at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, addressed the participants at the opening of the event, emphasizing the growing threat of cybercrime and the critical need for coordinated responses. She highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening institutional capacities and promoting international cooperation in the fight against cyber threats.
Over the course of two days, participants enhanced their ability to address cybercrime and electronic evidence in practice. By engaging with topics related to Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention). and its Second Additional Protocol, Electronic Evidence Guide, domestic legal frameworks, and interagency cooperation, they left with tools and legal perspectives they can apply directly in criminal proceedings and their daily work. Furthermore, drawing on relevant international and domestic real-word examples— Sky ECC & Kosovo’s Operation Broken Sky—helped them illustrate the growing complexity of cybercrime investigations and the crucial role of electronic evidence and cross-border cooperation.
Led by a dynamic mix of international and local experts, the course offered a balanced perspective between international standards and domestic legal framework and fostered an interactive environment that encouraged active participation and exchange of views.
This activity marks a concrete step toward strengthening Kosovo’s judicial response to cybercrime and lays important groundwork for future specialised training. The Council of Europe through the CYBERKOP Action, continues to empower justice professionals with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to face the evolving challenges of the digital age.
Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)
In Focus
