The CyberSEE project in co-operation with the CEPOL Western Balkans Partnership against Crime and Terrorism (WB PaCT) project enhanced the investigative capacities through the organisation of the Western Balkans Working Group on Digital Asset Investigations, in Budva, Montenegro, from 29 June to 3 July 2026, marking the group's tenth activity.
The workshop highlighted the recent achievements under the leadership of the CyberSEE project, including the dedicated workspace on the CYBOX platform, the establishment of new partnerships, and the expansion of the Working Group to include experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.
By incorporating feedback from both participants and trainers and building on the outcomes of the previous workshop in March 2026, the activity in Budva introduced two new elements.
The first concept, "Bring your own case", was designed to complement the training programme with an operational component. Participants shared challenges encountered in their investigations or complex operational issues for discussion with the group or in one-on-one sessions with the trainers. These dedicated sessions also provided an opportunity for members to exchange national operational approaches and share practical experiences in digital asset investigations.
Furthermore, the “Crypto pack” was introduced to actively engage participants in the development of training materials under this initiative. Ahead of the workshop, the draft versions of the Guide on Investigating the Illegal Use of Cryptocurrencies and the Standard Operating Procedures for seizing virtual assets were shared with participants for review. During the workshop, participants provided their feedback on the operational relevance, and practical applicability of these materials in supporting crypto-related investigations.
The expert support was ensured by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Australian Federal Police (AFP), as longstanding partners of the initiative. Through practical casework and exercises, the programme covered advanced investigative topics, including smart contracts, mixers, tokens, attribution techniques, bridges, and cross-chain investigations. Using realistic operational scenarios, participants enhanced their ability to investigate cryptocurrency-enabled criminal activity, build evidential cases, apply legal mechanisms, manage seized crypto assets, and translate technical findings into effective investigative and judicial outcomes.
The workshop in Budva reaffirmed CyberSEE’s commitment to strengthening the capacities of criminal justice authorities across the region to investigate the illegal use of cryptocurrencies and cybercrime.
Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC)
CYBERKOP Action of the Octopus Project
Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)