On 21- 23 April, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a specialised training course in Dushanbe on the use of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) in detecting and investigating cross-border crimes. 

The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of officers working in investigative units responsible for cross-border crimes investigation by introducing the role of OSINT in intelligence-led investigations. 

Delivered by BOMCA 10 experts from the Border Guard Service and the Customs Criminal Service of the Republic of Lithuania, the training combined theoretical sessions with hands-on exercises. It covered a broad range of OSINT applications, such as mobile device analysis, cryptocurrency tracking, and social media intelligence gathering. Special attention was given to emerging challenges in digital investigations, particularly methods for tracing digital assets and identifying money laundering involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Through case studies and practical tasks, participants developed hands-on expertise in applying OSINT tools and techniques for advanced information gathering, data analysis, and the investigation of cross-border crimes. 

The training was conducted under BOMCA 10’s Component 2, “Improvement of Detection Capacities aimed at strengthening the investigative capacities of law enforcement agencies and promoting evidence-based investigations.