Open Source Intelligence Events signal the beginning of a twelve month Commitment to Financial Investigation Training in North Macedonia  

The British Embassy Skopje based Conflict Stability & Security Funded (CSSF) HMRC Western Balkans Training Team have enjoyed a successful (if hectic) start to their 2023 programme of events. The team, supported in no small part by respective Fiscal Crime Liaison Officers (FCLOs) FCDO and respective embassies.

Financial Investigation Training: North Macedonia Skopje January 30th – February 10th 2023. Open Source Intelligence Training

Representatives from the Financial Police, Ministry of Interior, Customs and the Public Prosecutor’s Office have attended two Open Source Intelligence Training events hosted by the British Embassy Skopje. These events kicks off a twelve month accredited series of events that will lead to a recognised qualification from “Skills for Justice” upon completion of all modules. Most importantly it sees what we hope to be a coalition between law enforcement partners to work together, share experiences and tackle the highest harm organised criminals who enjoy the benefits associated with Illicit Finance and Money Laundering.

The British Embassy Team welcomed guest presenters and Subject Matter Experts Tony Bennett and Gavin Mee from AML Cognitas Global to deliver the events. They presented a series of theory and practical sessions to our group of learners covering a wide variety of Open Source Intelligence gathering presentations including:

How to Plan an Online Investigation, Digital Footprints, Search Techniques, Operational Security, Evidential Capture, Digital Images, Websites, E-mails, Tracing People, Dark Web, Social Media and Investigative Profiles.

The event included many interactive exercises and culminated in an immersive simulation exercise with real time operational “feeds” and decision making exercises to test all the skills learned throughout the course.

The feedback from the delegates has been very positive and comprehensive, which reflects how well received this event has been and is an example of how HMRC, HMG and FCDO are working with regional stakeholders to tackle Illicit Finance as part of the Western Balkans SOC Strategy.

A successful start to 2023 and a huge thanks to everyone involved.