Source: Eurojust
01 October 2024|
On 25-26 September, Eurojust and the Council of Europe co-hosted a workshop on the spontaneous exchange of information obtained during criminal investigations. More than 70 participants from approximately 40 countries joined the annual event, which took place at Eurojust’s headquarters.
Often, in cybercrime investigations authorities obtain valuable information that may assist another country in its criminal proceedings. Parties to the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) may spontaneously share information on the basis of Article 26, and there are a variety of ways of doing this in practice. During the two-day workshop, participants had lively debates on the practical use of Article 26 in various jurisdictions, which included sharing interpretations and applications based on national contexts.
The often borderless nature of cyber- and cyber-related crime makes effective cross-border cooperation essential to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. Participants of the event stressed the use of existing legal frameworks and channels to enhance cooperation in this crime area.
The outcomes of this workshop will also feed into the development of a Guidance Note on spontaneous information by the Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY).