OSCE advances digital investigation capabilities of Moldovan law enforcement

From 11 to 15 May 2026, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department organized an intermediate-level training course on open-source intelligence (OSINT) and online investigations in Chișinău, Moldova. The course brought together the same group of 25 investigating officers from Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate, General Inspectorate of the Border Police, Police Academy and Customs Service who had previously completed the introductory-level training in March 2026. 

Building on the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the introductory course, the advanced training further strengthened participants’ ability to conduct complex online investigations, analyse digital footprints and support evidence-based criminal investigations in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

“Today’s criminal actors operate across multiple online platforms, including encrypted and hidden networks. This training helped us better understand how to navigate these environments safely and effectively while collecting actionable intelligence,” said an investigator from the General Police Inspectorate.

The five-day course included modules on virtualization in the context of OSINT, investigations on the Dark Web, social media intelligence (SOCMINT), geographical OSINT, financial investigations, enhanced analysis of websites and e-mails, and the use of artificial intelligence in OSINT investigations. Participants also strengthened their skills in searching and monitoring online information and in presenting and visualizing OSINT findings.

The training combined expert-led sessions with practical exercises designed to simulate real investigative scenarios and promote the direct application of advanced OSINT methodologies in day-to-day law enforcement work.

“The course expanded our understanding of how online information can support complex investigations and cross-border co-operation. The practical exercises on Dark Web investigations and financial analysis were particularly useful for our operational work,” said a representative of the General Inspectorate of the Border Police.

By enhancing participants’ technical expertise, analytical capabilities and operational security practices, the course contributed to more effective investigations into transnational organized crime and other security threats, while ensuring that investigative activities continue to respect human rights and the rule of law.

The training course was delivered as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”. The project aims to strengthen Moldova’s capacity to counter transnational threats in line with international commitments. It is funded by France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States.