On 1-3 July 2014, the first anniversary of Croatia’s entry to the EU, a seminar, “Western Balkans Organised Crime Links” was held in Zagreb, Croatia.
Twenty-eight participants from 24 countries took part in the seminar, hosted by the Croatian Ministry of the Interior, supported by experts from Europol, Italy and France. The seminar was opened by Mr Krunoslav Borovec, Assistant General Police Director and Mr Želimir Radmilović, Head of the Police Academy
in Zagreb.
The two main aims of the seminar were: to support the creation of a common law enforcement culture among professionals from Western Balkans and EU Member States, and strengthen professional contacts for officers fighting THB or facilitation of illegal immigration linked to Western Balkans.
Throughout the seminar a number of topics were presented, including:
- Combating facilitation of illegal immigration and THB from the perspective of Croatia, Europol, Italy and France
- Protection and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking
- Suppression of organized crime
In addition to these presentations there was also practical training sessions involving scenarios inspired by actual real life cases. Students from the Police Academy were used in some role play exercises.
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The final day provided an opportunity to analyse the simulated cases, and provide feedback and evaluation.
Following this seminar, we are confident that it can help create a safer environment for all citizens in Europe.
