The CyberSEE joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe supported the reinforcement of capacities to fight against online child sexual abuse, through the participation of 13 investigators and team leaders from South-East Europe and Türkiye in the AP Twins annual expert meeting 2026, held at Europol’s Headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, from 9 to 11 June 2026.
Organised by the AP Twins team within the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) at Europol, the meeting brought together law enforcement investigators, prosecutors, investigative judges, and partners from across Europe and beyond, united by a shared commitment to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), both online and offline.
Over two and a half days, participants shared tactics, methods, and trends in investigating CSEA, including recent developments in investigative techniques and cross-border co-operation, and the use of virtual currencies and gaming platforms in the exploitation of children. In-depth case studies, including Operation Alice, provided practical insights into complex investigations. Dedicated sessions also explored Europol’s analytical capabilities, victim identification processes, officer well-being, the legal evolution and its impact on judicial procedures, and academic findings with a victim-centred approach.
By offering the opportunity to experts from South-East Europe and Türkiye to join meetings with EU member states, it facilitated the promotion of common standards and good practices in the fight against CSEA, in line with the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) and its Second Additional Protocol, providing the legal and operational framework for cross-border co-operation and the lawful handling of electronic evidence.
This activity builds on CyberSEE’s efforts to engage the project countries in taking concrete steps to enhance investigators’ technical skills and strengthen capacity building initiatives within the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), connecting them to operational services, databases, and task forces such as the Victim Identification Task Force 18, as well as fostering co-operation with agencies of the European Union.
The CyberSEE project remains committed to supporting countries in strengthening legislation, operational capacities, and cross-border collaboration to respond to CSEA and other cybercrime offences.
Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC)
Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)