With the aim of rapid interaction, Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) Director Vadym Melnyk initiated the establishment of a permanent working group of the ESBU and the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM). The idea is to exchange data not only within pre-trial investigations, but also to share analytical information. Indeed, an important aspect of the Bureau’s work is to prevent criminal activities. These agreements were reached during a meeting between Head of EUBAM Slawomir Pichor and ESBU Director Vadym Melnyk in Kyiv.
The parties also agreed to continue discussions on the coordination of joint operations with the competent authorities of the Republic of Moldova and the exchange of information with the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova.
The meeting was aimed at addressing three topical issues: overcoming the threats of cross-border crime, including countering customs evasion in the illegal movement of goods, combating illicit trafficking of excisable goods across the border between Moldova and Ukraine, and assisting in the institutional development of the Bureau.
A particularly relevant area is combating illegal trafficking of tobacco products across the Ukrainian-Moldovan border. Finally, the participants identified areas for further cooperation in combating offenses that harm economic security.
Slawomir Pichor said that EUBAM would continue to provide support and was ready to expand cooperation, including joint exercises, trainings, and seminars. In addition, the Mission will start assisting in the institutional development of the ESBU, facilitating the establishment of a technical base and obtaining software products, which is especially important for the Bureau’s development in the context of the armed aggression of the russian federation.
For reference:
The European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) was launched in 2005. It has country offices in Odesa (Ukraine) and Chisinau (Moldova), and six field offices: three on the Moldovan side of the common border and three on the Ukrainian side.
The Mission works with Moldova and Ukraine to harmonize border management, customs and trade standards and procedures with those of EU member states. It helps to improve cross-border cooperation between border guard and customs agencies, as well as other law enforcement agencies, and promotes international cooperation.
