Judicial capacity building program in the field of virtual assets, run by INJ and OSCE

The National Institute of Justice and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have started a program of public lectures and workshops dedicated to strengthening the capacities of justice professionals in the field of preventing and combating crimes associated with virtual assets.

"Virtual Assets: Basic Concepts, Legal Uses and Associated Risks" is the generic of the public lesson addressed to INJ audiences and trainers. The lecture was delivered by Michal Gromek, OSCE Senior Expert on Virtual Assets and Chair of the Digital Assets Working Group of the Global Coalition to Combat Financial Crime. The event addressed the types of virtual assets relevant to the judicial system, the fundamental concepts and the ways of their use and abuse by criminals.

During September 15-16, 2025, judges and prosecutors participated in the workshop "Methodologies and tactics for investigating crimes committed through the use of electronic/virtual currencies. Admissibility, relevance and assessment of evidence in criminal proceedings". The sessions were facilitated by OSCE experts: Anita Veternik, District State Prosecutor and Deputy National Member of Slovenia at Eurojust, Arina Corsei Vultureanu, Prosecutor and Head of the Computer Crime Unit Service from DIICOT, Romania, and Lenche Ristoska, Public Prosecutor and Liaison Prosecutor of North Macedonia at Eurojust.

The agenda of the workshop included the introduction of the concepts and definitions of virtual assets, the identification of the scenarios in which they appear in criminal proceedings and the institutions involved, the analysis of the legal framework regarding the securing of virtual assets. The program integrated case studies and practical exercises to reinforce theoretical knowledge.

In the following month, other training activities dedicated to this theme will continue.