The second EU Capacity Building event under the DISRUPT project was hosted by partner VICESSE and took place on February 12-13, 2025, at the Younion HALL Veranstaltungszentrum in Vienna, Austria. The event brought together more than 30 experts, law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and victim support workers to learn and discuss how to improve current practices in investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases using digital evidence.
Over the course of two days, the event facilitated the exchange of knowledge through a combination of expert presentations, hands-on exercises, and discussions on best practices. Participants examined methods for digital investigations to uncover trafficking operations, applications of open-source intelligence (OSINT) for gathering information from online platforms, and approaches by different jurisdictions to prosecute trafficking cases with digital evidence. The significance of the legal framework for digital evidence exchange and international cooperation was also highlighted, considering that trafficking networks frequently operate across borders.
Collaboration was a key theme throughout the event. Participants shared their national experiences, learning from one another about the challenges and successes in their respective countries through the lens of practical exercises and a case study.
In addition to the technical discussions, the event facilitated the establishment of robust professional connections. Informal networking opportunities, such as the morning energizers and the social dinner, provided participants with the chance to exchange ideas and cultivate relationships that will support future collaborations.
By the conclusion of the training, participants had significantly enhanced their understanding of digital investigations and fortified their ability to combat trafficking using technological tools. The event underscored the increasing importance of digital evidence in prosecuting traffickers and emphasized the need for ongoing cross-border cooperation. As the DISRUPT project advances, it aims to equip more professionals with these essential skills, ensuring that digital evidence becomes a foundational element in the fight against human trafficking.
