Partners NewsCEPOL course on most threatening criminal networks and individuals takes place in Budapest
CEPOL course on most threatening criminal networks and individuals takes place in Budapest
The International Training Centre, with the support of the Hungarian National Bureau of Investigation, organised CEPOL course 03/2026 on “Most threatening criminal networks and individuals – Crime prevention by community of practitioners” in Budapest, from 24 to 28 August 2026.
The aim of the course was to scale up law enforcement efforts to tackle and dismantle organised crime networks and to equip participants with the skills to identify networks posing the highest risk to Europe’s security. The target group was senior police officers with both theoretical and practical knowledge of law enforcement work, particularly in dismantling criminal networks, identifying OCG high-value targets, and locating the most significant and threatening fugitives at the European or international level.
Altogether, 32 law enforcement officials attended: 26 from 20 EU Member States, 3 from Denmark, 2 from Ukraine, and 1 from Switzerland.
The main purpose of the five-day course was to acquire theoretical knowledge and apply it in practice, through teamwork, international cooperation and the sharing of expertise. Participants used available databases, diverse information sources, software, and secure technical tools (e.g., Connect application) to strengthen cooperation and contribute to common European goals.
The main part of the course took place at the International Training Centre
, while practical training was organised at various locations across the city.
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The first three days were focused on theoretical learning; with expert lectures covering topics such as the challenges and opportunities presented by encrypted networks and the tracking of social networking sites. On the third day, attendees also had the opportunity to acquire new skills during the OSINT practical training.
The fourth day consisted of a full day of intensive practical training. Participants were requested to track the activities and movements of a fictional fugitive throughout the streets and waterways of Budapest, using the information provided. Their objective was to apprehend the target at the International Training Centre, the final destination.
The law enforcement officials attending the course were highly engaged and enthusiastic; gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge throughout the training. With the support of the participating experts, the organisers facilitated the exchange of knowledge at European level contributing to the development and implementation of practices across Member States.
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EMPACT training activity
Combatting new forms of organised crime requires more cooperation between police and gendarmes, customs officers, border guards, judges, and prosecutors. EU institutions, agencies and Member States work together to tackle organised and serious international crime through a permanent and key instrument: the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT).
CEPOL plays a crucial role in the EMPACT mechanism through the provision of specialised training and the identification of training needs within each common security threat. Every year, CEPOL provides a comprehensive training package for each common EU crime priority consisting of onsite, online and exchange training activities.
Check more of CEPOL's EMPACT training activities here.
