Technology is increasingly changing the way traffickers recruit and exploit victims, making it essential for institutions to adapt their response to emerging forms of labour exploitation. To support these efforts, 47 judges, prosecutors, police officers, labour inspectors and other frontline professionals from across Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthened their skills in detecting and investigating labour exploitation linked to digital technologies during a training held in Jahorina on 14-15 July 2026.

Participants explored topics such as identifying indicators of labour exploitation, collecting digital evidence, monitoring online job advertisements and using digital tools to detect trafficking risks. The training also highlighted the importance of international standards and stronger co-operation between institutions in responding to technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings.

Particular attention was given to practical exercises and case studies, including simulations on identifying forced labour online, collecting digital evidence and interviewing potential victims. Participants identified these interactive sessions as among the most valuable elements of the programme.

The activity also provided an opportunity to present draft technical guidance on financial investigations, asset seizure and recovery, and victim compensation in trafficking cases, developed to support professionals working directly with victims and investigations.

Organised by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Centres for Judicial and Prosecutorial Training of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional responses to evolving forms of trafficking in human beings.

The training was organised as part of the project “Strengthening anti-trafficking responses in Bosnia and Herzegovina through systemic reform, policy development and comprehensive support for victims”, funded through voluntary contributions under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-2029.