CBSS and Europol workshop: Strengthening financial and cryptocurrency investigations to combat human trafficking

The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), in cooperation with Europol, organised a regional workshop on financial investigations, cryptocurrencies, and trafficking in human beings in The Hague on 14-15 April 2026. The hands-on workshop served as a basis for an annex which will be attached to the newly published CBSS Investigation Protocol. The guidance on financial investigations will be published in January 2027.

The event brought together law enforcement experts and financial investigators from across the Baltic Sea Region and Ukraine to exchange knowledge, share operational experiences, and strengthen cross-border cooperation in addressing the financial aspects of trafficking in human beings. It was opened with welcome remarks by representatives of CBSS and Europol, Edi Mujaj, Head of the Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings Unit, CBSS, and Nenad Nača, Team Leader - AP Phoenix (THB), Europol, who emphasised the critical role of financial investigations in identifying, disrupting, and prosecuting organised crime networks involved in human trafficking.

An introductory session by Marian Osăin, Senior Specialist - AP Phoenix (THB), Europol, provided a comprehensive overview of human trafficking as a form of organised crime, outlining current trends, patterns, and emerging developments across Europe. A central component of the programme focused on financial investigations in trafficking in human beings cases. Through a series of dedicated sessions, experts from Europol presented the fundamental elements of financial investigations, including key methodologies, investigative tools, and common challenges. Practical examples from operational cases supported by Europol provided participants with insights into how financial intelligence can be effectively used to support investigations and prosecutions.

The second day of the workshop explored the increasing use of cryptocurrencies in human trafficking operations. Sessions led by Goran Vidiček, Senior Operational Analyst - AP Phoenix (THB), Europol, examined how digital assets are used within criminal networks, as well as the techniques and challenges associated with tracing and analysing cryptocurrency transactions. These discussions enabled participants to deepen their understanding of this rapidly evolving area.

A study visit to Europol headquarters complemented the programme, providing participants with an opportunity to gain further insight into the agency's operational work and tools supporting international investigations.

The workshop also offered a platform for peer exchange, enabling participants to share perspectives from their respective countries and investigations carried out within the frame of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs). Discussions highlighted good practices, identified challenges, and outlined areas where further capacity-building is needed. The insights and reflections gathered during the workshop will contribute to the development of an annex to the CBSS Investigation Protocol, which will focus on financial investigations.

• Read more about the CBSS Investigation Protocol ("Investigating Trafficking in Human Beings. An Investigation Protocol for Law Enforcement in the Baltic Sea Region") here: https://cbss.org/publications/investigation-protocol/