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.

Slawomir Pichor, the Head of EUBAM, met with the EU Council Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CivCom) on 22 November in Chișinau. The meeting aimed to deepen the understanding of EU support for bolstering the resilience of the Republic of Moldova.

The head of Mission gave the CivCom delegates a comprehensive overview of EUBAM’s pivotal role as a regional security and economic development supporter. The discussions delved into the Mission’s mandate and its ongoing actions geared towards enhancing the stability and prosperity of the Republic of Moldova.

The dialogue between Slawomir Pichor and CivCom underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing civilian aspects of crisis management. The meeting served as a platform for fruitful discussions on current challenges, potential opportunities, and future strategies to fortify the Republic of Moldova’s resilience.

EUBAM continues playing a crucial role in supporting the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in border management and customs, contributing to regional security and economic development. The Mission’s commitment to promoting economic development aligns seamlessly with the broader objectives of the European Union in the region.

This October, our dedicated EUBAM Field Teams embarked on a comprehensive mission to enhance border and customs officials’ professional skills and knowledge from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

In a series of 83 On-the-Job Mentoring Sessions, the EUBAM Field Teams worked tirelessly to provide officers with valuable insights and hands-on training. These sessions, conducted throughout the month, served as a testament to EUBAM’s commitment to advancing the capabilities of border and customs officials in the region.

The sessions addressed various crucial topics, reflecting the mission’s dedication to equipping officers with the latest tools and knowledge. The critical areas covered included border checks, customs clearance, security features of travel documents, concealed compartments in vehicles, smuggling methods, vehicle registration document verification, and inspection techniques for trailers and other vehicles.

These initiatives aim to empower officers with the latest insights and techniques, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle the complexities of their roles in an ever-evolving environment. By focusing on pertinent topics, EUBAM aims to contribute significantly to enhancing border and customs operations in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

A special acknowledgement goes out to the dedicated officers who actively participated in these sessions, showcasing a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. EUBAM recognizes that their collective efforts are vital to strengthening the effectiveness of border and customs operations.

 

On 24 October, the Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor, took part in a trilateral meeting in Giurgiulesti with senior officials from Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania’s infrastructure ministries, along with customs and border services representatives. The aim was to tackle the development of the Reni – Giurgiulești – Galați border crossing points (BCPs) and ways to enhance the capacity of the main road transport corridor from Ukraine through Moldova to Romania in the Lower Danube Region.

The authorities kicked off with a fact-finding visit at Reni BCP with an insightful overview by the Ukrainian side of the electronic queue system for trucks in Ukraine, facilitating border crossing, and plans for refurbishment and modernization of Reni BCP.

Further on, at Giurgiulești State Port, the delegations of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova chaired by the State Secretary in the Domain of Transport Mircea Păscăluță, the Deputy Minister for Community, Territories and Infrastructure Development​ of Ukraine Mr Serhii Derkach, and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Romania Ionel Scrioșteanu, led trilateral negotiations and discussions aimed at identifying operational solutions to enhance border crossing capacity. The participants also focused on various measures, leveraging the benefits of the common transit procedure and joint/coordinated control at the Ukraine – Moldova and Moldova – Romania borders.

On his side, the Head of EUBAM shared his insights on dispersing the queues at the border in Reni – Giurgiulești – Galați area and supporting the prompt supply chain, offering further EUBAM assistance on that matter.

 

EUBAM facilitated the cross-border cooperation between Moldovan, Czech and Romanian case officers and prosecutors, and substantially supported a successful cross-border investigation that resulted in dismantling an international organized criminal group that dealt with the clandestine production of cigarettes in the Czech Republic and their distribution on the black market in several EU countries. The total damage to the tax has so far been estimated at EUR 5 million.

In the final phase of the investigation codenamed “ROOF”, 17,697,320 pieces of illegal cigarettes, 11,197 kilograms of tobacco, as well as the clandestine cigarette production lines/equipment was seized, and 22 foreign nationals detained, mostly Moldovans and Ukrainians. Significant amounts of cash, a gun, cars were also seized in the Czech Republic and Moldova.

Such collaborative efforts demonstrate the significance of international cooperation in combating criminal activities that negatively impact economies and communities.

 

Our dedicated experts covered a range of important topics, ensuring our partners stay informed and ready to tackle any challenge.

Here are some of the exciting subjects that were explored:

Security Features: Officers delved into the world of German vehicle registration documents and Slovak identification documents, making sure they are well-equipped to detect any counterfeit documents.
Ukrainian Travel Documents: The sessions explored into the current trends related to fake Ukrainian travel documents, helping the officers to stay vigilant against potential fraud.
Customs Control: With a focus on customs control, our sessions included methods for inspecting passenger cars, mini vans, buses, and trailers, ensuring a smoother flow of goods across borders.
Drug Smuggling: In an ever-evolving world, our teams also discussed strategies to combat drug smuggling, making sure the borders remain secure.

We’re proud of the dedication and commitment shown by our Partner Services officers, working together to ensure the borders are safe and secure.

European Border Assistance Mission to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM), together with the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, organized the second International Trade Facilitation Forum, “Supporting Ukrainian exports through Solidarity Lanes”, in Chisinau on October 12.

The second Forum brought together high-level speakers from the European Commission, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. The central focus of this event was to explore innovative solutions and create alternative routes for exporting agricultural products and essential goods to support Ukraine through EU-UA Solidarity Lanes. Between May 2022 and August 2023, this initiative facilitated the export of over 53 million tons of agricultural products from Ukraine, underscoring the critical importance of these routes.

Key discussions during the Forum focused on finding solutions for the impact of the suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the challenges posed by Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s Danube and Black Sea ports. Participants also addressed measures to harness the untapped logistics potential and optimize existing infrastructure and equipment to enhance transport corridor capacity. Diversifying the range of available routes was another vital point of discussion.

According to the Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor, the Forum participants are determined to seek innovative solutions to further facilitate agricultural exports from Ukraine via all feasible transport corridors: “EUBAM is here actively providing its support, including through initiatives like the MD-RO-UA Regional Customs Coordination Group. This group has consistently facilitated the flow of cargo through transport corridors in the lower Danube region, addressing challenges and generating proposals for improvements to streamline the entry of goods between Ukraine and the European Union.”

 

From 2-6 October, 15 dedicated Ukraine State Border Guard officers from the Northern Regional Directorate took part in the “Train the Trainer” course on document verification.

The course was hosted at Criva jointly operated border crossing point and was led by certified trainers from the Border Guard Training Centre of the Polish Border Guard.

Key objectives of the training program included:
– Equipping officers with a comprehensive methodology for teaching and conducting training.
– Emphasizing a combination of activity lectures and practical classes.
– Providing the knowledge and skills necessary to independently train other officers.
– Developing a deep understanding of different types of documents for border crossing.
– Enhancing expertise in document construction and optically variable features.

Furthermore, EUBAM donated essential tools for the operational needs of the 31st Border Detachment to bolster border security efforts.

 

On 2 October, a significant step was taken in safeguarding the safety of products entering the Republic of Moldova’s market. The Moldovan Customs Service and the State Inspectorate for the Surveillance of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection extended their Cooperation Action Plan. This extension builds upon the groundwork laid earlier this year when EUBAM facilitated the original plan in January and its core objective is to strengthen partnerships and bolster safety measures for products entering the Moldovan market.

A pivotal moment during this journey was the unanimous approval of a pilot project focused on the import of toys at Chisinau 2 (formerly Cricova) internal customs post. Initially spanning six months and concluding on October 3rd, this pilot project stood out as a resounding success. Consequently, it has been extended to three additional internal customs posts.

This cooperative effort holds the promise of instilling a heightened sense of security among Moldovan citizens as consumers. Furthermore, it brings the Republic of Moldova one step closer to aligning with the stringent health and safety standards upheld by the European Union, in accordance with Moldova’s commitments under the DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area).

 

Last week, the European Commission’s Vice-President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, was visiting the Republic of Moldova. During this diplomatic mission, our experts had a notable encounter with Mr Borrell while he was crossing the border to Ukraine at the Palanca jointly operated border crossing point.

Upon his arrival at Palanca, he met with our experts, who shared insights into their daily on-the-ground efforts – EUBAM’s primary focus remains on enhancing the capabilities of the Moldovan and Ukrainian Customs and Border Authorities.

The Palanca-Maiaky-Udobne jointly operated border crossing point demonstrates a fruitful collaboration supported by the European Union. This project is a remarkable success story where border and customs authorities from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine join forces to facilitate the seamless passage of people and cargo.

In 2019, the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) took a significant step by establishing the Interagency Regional Analytical Group (IRAG) with a mission to mentor and foster inter-agency collaboration in regularly assessing risks and threats in the Odesa region, with a particular focus on Transnistria and the Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny Ports. Comprising representatives from regional branches of key Ukrainian agencies, including the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service, Ukrainian State Customs Service, Special Service of Ukraine, and the National Police, IRAG was instrumental in developing analytical reviews and threat assessments. These efforts were aimed at enhancing border security, combating cross-border crime, and promoting regional cooperation.

Considering the evolving dynamics and challenges posed by the current regional circumstances, EUBAM recognized the need to reactivate and bolster the IRAG. Following productive discussions with IRAG members, EUBAM convened a meeting on September 29th, hosted at the EUBAM Headquarters in Odesa. The meeting’s primary focus was to chart a path for the revival of the Interagency Analytical Group. Participants engaged in constructive dialogues to identify strategies and mechanisms that would strengthen the group’s functionality and effectiveness. Notably, representatives from the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine were invited to attend the meeting as observers, with the potential to become permanent members of the group.

The discussions centered around resuming IRAG activities and included the mode, scope, and objectives for the group’s future work. It was agreed that by the end of October, the group members would prepare and share a comprehensive risk analysis of current threats within their respective areas of responsibility.

This initiative underscores EUBAM’s unwavering commitment to promoting regional security, cooperation, and stability through collaborative efforts that adapt to the evolving security landscape.

 

From 20-23 September, 15 Ukraine State Border Guard (UASBGS) officers participated in this comprehensive program, which took place at the joint border crossing point Palanca–Mayaki-Udobne. The course was conducted by certified trainers from the Polish National Revenue Administration, experts in the field of vehicle inspection.

The primary objective of this training was to equip UASBGS officers with the skills necessary to become trainers themselves, proficient in conducting both theoretical and practical classes related to vehicle inspection. The curriculum covered a wide range of essential topics, including:

Methodology: Teaching techniques and strategies for conducting engaging lectures and practical sessions.
Document Verification: The verification of vehicle legality, examination of required documents, scrutiny of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), and methods of detecting counterfeiting and alterations.
Technique and Tactics: In-depth exploration of technical aspects and tactical approaches to effective vehicle inspection.
Smuggling Detection: Identification of hidden compartments within means of transport, a critical skill in combating smuggling.

In addition to the training, EUBAM demonstrated its commitment to supporting border security by donating operational tools to the 25th Border Detachment. These tools are expected to significantly enhance border security measures, further strengthening the capabilities of the dedicated border guards.

This collaboration between EUBAM and UASBGS underscores the commitment to maintaining security and efficiency along the border. The shared objective of ensuring the safety and well-being of the region remains a top priority.

The law enforcers from Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Poland convened in Chisinau on 15th September for a high-level international symposium led by the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) to address the pressing issue of illegal cigarette manufacturing and trade.

The symposium focused on effectively mapping the problem and strategies to combat illicit cigarette manufacturing. The demand for illegal cigarettes has increased considerably after Russia’s unjustified war of aggression on Ukraine. As normal supply chains were cut, many clandestine factories were opened here in Europe to produce on the spot.

The participants of the international symposium underscored the significance of addressing illicit cigarette manufacturing, given its multifaceted impact on society, health, and economies. Participants aim to develop more effective strategies to combat this illicit trade and protect public health and revenue streams by fostering collaboration and sharing expertise.

Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, highlighted the profound negative impact of illicit cigarette manufacturing and trade on societies. “Illicit cigarette production generates significant profits for criminal networks and facilitates other criminal activities, often including organized crime and money laundering. Additionally, governments suffer substantial revenue losses due to tax evasion, and consumers face health risks from substandard, unregulated products.”

The symposium was attended by the leaders of the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova, the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, and the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova. In addition, EU High-Level Advisers, Customs and Border Authorities from the Republic of Moldova, Poland, and Ukraine, as well as representatives from the tobacco manufacturing industry and academia, took part.

On 13 September, Head of EUBAM Slawomir Pichor attended a high-level meeting held between the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) and the body of ambassadors accredited in Chisinau, where a critical agenda item was the preparation of the Support Platform for Moldova. The primary focus of this dialogue was to reinforce border security and protect citizens in line with international standards.

The meeting discussed progress in capitalizing on external assistance and efforts of development partners to strengthen the capacities of the internal affairs system for a safer border and supported services to protect citizens.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the community of development partners, this year, a budget of 21 million euros was cumulated, obtained following the launch of 19 external assistance projects and the reception of donations, to strengthen the fields of activity associated with the MIA.

MSP is an initiative of Romania, Germany and France that aims to mobilize, concentrate and coordinate the political, technical and financial support of developed countries for the Republic of Moldova. The fourth edition will take place in Chisinau on October 17.

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova 

On 12 September, a working meeting took place, gathering representatives from EUBAM and the Moldovan Border Police. The discussions revolved around critical topics related to security and border management in the region.

An essential aspect of the discussion was the security situation at the Moldovan-Ukraine border. This border is of strategic importance, and ensuring its security is vital for both countries and the broader region.

Recognizing the ever-evolving nature of security threats and border management challenges, the need for institutional capacity development was also discussed as strengthening the capabilities of the Moldovan Border Police is essential to effectively respond to security challenges and manage border operations efficiently.

In line with the discussions on capacity development, the meeting also explored the types of assistance and support that EUBAM can provide to the Moldovan Border Police. This will encompass training programs, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing to enhance the skills and capabilities of the border police officers.

On September 11th, the EUBAM-led MD-RO-UA Customs Coordination Group convened at the Cahul (MD)-Oancea (RO) border crossing point to tackle challenges related to the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes in the lower Danube region.

This Group plays a vital role in supporting the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, convening every three months to ease congestion on transport corridors for Ukrainian goods passing through the Republic of Moldova to Romania and beyond. It brings together the Customs Authorities of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, serving as a platform for other relevant institutions.

At the meeting, participants discussed changes in the operational situation at the border crossing points and measures to mitigate bottlenecks and administrative barriers to enhance the flow of agricultural products. Parties examined concrete proposals to distribute better and manage increased cargo traffic. Additionally, the Group supported the broader application of coordinated control measures and synchronization of clearance priorities on both sides of the border.

Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, emphasized the urgency and need of this cooperation format to increase the operability of alternative corridors, particularly in light of the challenges faced by Ukrainian grain exporters, impacted by the suspension of the grain agreement and the pressure on Danube ports resulting from massive air attacks.

The sessions were dedicated to improving knowledge and skills in border checks and customs clearance and covered a wide range of topics to enhance our Moldovan and Ukrainian partners’ skills and knowledge for ensuring effective border control and customs clearance.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the critical areas we delved into:

Customs matters: Learning about the intricacies of customs procedures and how to handle them efficiently.
Luggage and personal belongings: Understanding risk indicators associated with luggage and personal items was crucial to EUBAM’s training.
EU Insoghts: Exploring the concept of random selection and how it’s used in EU countries for effective border control.
VIN identification:  Ever wondered how to identify a VIN from a Peugeot 407 Coupe? We got the hang of it using the EUVID tool.
Diplomatic protocol:  We delved into the Vienna Convention and the specific procedures for border control of diplomatic personnel.
German imports: We shared the expertise on how to examine documents for cars imported from Germany.
Mineral smuggling: Understanding the modus operandi of smuggling unprocessed minerals via border checkpoints.
Vehicle insurance identification: We explored the verification process for UK registered vehicles using open sources.
Uzbekistan passports: We went through the process of checking and verifying Uzbekistan passports.
Vehicle engine inspection:  Checking the engine compartment of a vehicle was an essential aspect of our training.
Fuel tank manipulation: We shared the knowledge on how to detect manipulation of fuel tanks with access from the loading compartment of a van.
Cigarette smuggling: Understanding the modus operandi of smuggling cigarettes transported by passenger car/bus and hidden in dog food cans.
Document authenticity: We also explored how to identify the genuineness of German vehicle registration documents.

 

EUBAM, in collaboration with certified trainers from the German Federal Police, the Polish National Revenue Administration, and the Polish Border Guard, is conducting four “Train the Trainer Courses” in September – October 2023.

The courses focus on document verification and vehicle inspection and aim to empower 60 Ukrainian State Border Guard Service officers with essential skills and will bolster the training capacity of the Ukraine State Border Guard Service and, ultimately, strengthen border security.

The first training event was last week at the joint border crossing point Palanca – Mayaki-Udobne, where border guard officers were mastering border control procedures and document verification techniques.
The primary goal is to enhance their ability to detect document forgery and enable them to train fellow officers in the 1st and 2nd line of control.

Throughout this week, Slawomir Pichor, the Head of EUBAM, and his team had a series of meetings in Kyiv with the Mission’s key partners. The purpose was to address their immediate needs and lay out the Mission’s forthcoming efforts to assist with these requirements.

During the meeting with Andrii Nadzhos, the Director of the Directorate General for the EU and NATO from the Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the representative from the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ukrainian Border Authorities, parties discussed the near future tangible actions EUBAM is taking to help both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in effectively managing their shared border and to respond to the existing challenges.

In discussions with Vladyslav Suvorov, the Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, the primary emphasis was identifying the precise technical support requirements. Notably, EUBAM has the opportunity to support border authorities in both Moldova and Ukraine with technical assistance component integrated directly into its budget.

In Kyiv, the Head of EUBAM also met with Andrii Paschchuk, who currently serves as the Acting Director of Ukraine’s Economic Security Bureau. Their discussions mainly revolved around strategies to combat smuggling and the illicit manufacturing of cigarettes. Furthermore, the sides reached a mutual understanding to conduct collaborative training sessions and involve representatives from the Economic Security Bureau in events organized by the Mission.

While in Odesa, Slawomir Pichor held meetings with the First Deputy Head of the Odesa Regional State Military Administration, Borys Voloshenkov and Serhii Hrynchyshyn, Acting Head of Odesa Customs House. These talks focused on the Mission’s upcoming initiatives to assist the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes. To enhance agricultural cargo transportation, these initiatives address critical challenges and administrative hurdles at the Ukraine-Moldova border.

On 10 August, EUBAM brought together representatives of Moldovan Customs and the State Inspectorate for Supervision of Non-Food Products and Customer Protection to overview the progress in enforcing the Cooperation Action Plan between the two agencies signed in January and further cooperation prospects.

At the meeting, the parties discussed aspects of intensifying interdepartmental cooperation, addressing the subject of the extension of the EU-RM Association Agreement regarding consumer protection by the RM authorities.
In particular, the implementation of the pilot project on toy clearance in Cricova Internal Customs Post was discussed. Considering its success, its scope shall be widened to more customs posts and commodities.

The gathering was organized following the workshop during the visit to the Department of Market Surveillance in Tübingen, Germany, regarding the cooperation between the Customs Service and the State Inspectorate for the Supervision of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection.