Romania’s Fight Against Cybercrime: Celebrating 10 Years of International Cooperation

The Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC) has marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of international cooperation and capacity building in the fight against cybercrime. The occasion was marked by an event in Bucharest, which brought together top officials from Romania and other countries to discuss the challenges they face in combating cybercrime.

The event, hosted by the National Institute of Magistracy, saw representatives from the Council of Europe, Ministry of Justice, General Prosecutor Office, Romanian Police, and other key institutions gather to share their experiences and expertise. This meeting was a testament to Romania’s commitment to tackling cybercrime, with the country playing a crucial role in promoting international standards and capacity building.

C-PROC: A Decade of Progress

Over the past decade, C-PROC has mobilised more than €60 million from donors, including the European Union and other countries. The organisation has been instrumental in consolidating institutional capacity in criminal justice and extending the reach of the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention).

Professional Capacity Building: A Key to Success

Romania’s Deputy Director of National Institute of Magistracy, Viorel Badea, highlighted the importance of professional capacity building in combating cybercrime. “The accelerated changes caused by digitalisation have led to new crimes and means of committing them,” he said. “Therefore, it is essential for judges and prosecutors to receive specialized training in the field of cybercrime.”

C-PROC’s Impact: Developing Capacities Through Training

C-PROC’s Head of Operations, Virgil Spiridon, emphasized the organisation’s impact on developing capacities through trainings for investigators, prosecutors, and judges. “Successful investigations and prosecutions are being carried out worldwide, often thanks to the legal basis and skills provided by C-PROC,” he said.

Key Topics Discussed

The meeting also addressed key topics such as:

The capacities needed by law enforcement authorities to investigate cybercrime
The need for strategic training of magistrates on cybercrime and e-evidence
The interaction between cybersecurity and cybercrime

A Bright Future Ahead

As the Council of Europe marks its 75th anniversary this year, its commitment to fighting cybercrime remains unwavering. With C-PROC at the forefront of international efforts, Romania is playing a vital role in shaping the future of cybercrime prevention.