The conference, “Risks of Cross-Border Crime in an Open Europe – Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions,” took place in Chisinau and was collaboratively organized by the Customs Service and the European Union High Level  Advisors Mission.

The event served as a strategic platform for fostering dialogue and enhancing cooperation among the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine law enforcement agencies, particularly in countering cross-border crime.

During the plenary session, Slawomir Pichor, the Head of EUBAM, underscored the pivotal importance of close collaboration among the three countries in the lower Danube region. He emphasized that the advent of Russian aggression has brought about profound changes in criminal activities, commerce, and mutual collaboration: “The illegal activity does not begin or end at the borders, and our main focus should be tackling those criminal groups in a coordinated manner and involving all stakeholders in setting forth an adequate response.”

The conference comprised three-panel discussions investigating the topics of smuggling excisable goods and illegal production, illicit financial flows, cross-border trafficking of arms and dual-use goods, and drug trafficking, including drug precursors and anabolic steroids. Participants seized the opportunity to assess evolving crime trends and explore novel avenues for inter-agency cooperation to enhance joint operational actions.

The attendees included representatives from the Moldovan Parliament and Government, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, leaders and representatives from customs, border, police, and prosecution services in the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. Additionally, the conference drew the participation of international bodies and representatives from the business environment.