“This workshop came at the right time, as we face increasingly complex cross-border crime in the region. Learning how to use tools like OSINT and understanding how to trace criminal activity online and through cryptocurrencies has been extremely useful. The training strengthened our skills and equipped us with practical knowledge to better protect our borders and communities” said Mr. Otabek Sharifbayev, representative of the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the participant of workshop. 

In recent years, cross-border criminal activities such as human trafficking, smuggling and money laundering have become increasingly complex. Criminal networks now exploit digital platforms and cryptocurrencies, complicating efforts to detect and investigate these crimes. In response, the workshop introduced participants to OSINT - a tool for collecting and analysing publicly available information, including content from social media, websites and mobile applications. It also addressed the growing use of cryptocurrency in transnational crime with a focus on tracing illicit financial flows.

The workshop was delivered by BOMCA 10 experts from the Border Guard Service and the Customs Criminal Service of Lithuania. Their combined expertise provided participants with practical insights into the use of OSINT in modern investigations, as well as the emerging challenges posed by cryptocurrency-related crimes.

These newly acquired skills will now be applied in day-to-day operations, enabling more effective investigations and contributing to long-term improvements in regional security and the prevention of cross-border crime.

About BOMCA

The Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA), funded by the EU, aims to enhance security, stability and sustainable growth in the region, while supporting cross-border cooperation and improving living conditions for people in the border areas of Central Asia. Since its implementation in 2003, BOMCA has played a leading role in strengthening cooperation between border control authorities through the application of the concept of integrated border management, as well as in bringing border control in line with international and EU standards.

BOMCA’s tenth phase, launched in April 2021, covers four areas: institutional development of border management agencies, improvement of detection capacities, trade facilitation, and improvement of cross-border cooperation. With a budget of EUR 21.65 million and an implementation period of 4.5 years, BOMCA 10 is the largest regional initiative in the field. It is implemented by a consortium of border management institutions of selected EU member states and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development led by the State Border Guard for the Republic of Latvia.