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Source: Europol
On 7 February, two suspects were arrested in Malta and Nigeria in the framework of the operation. The suspects are accused of selling the malware and supporting cybercriminals who used the malware for malicious purposes. Europol provided analytical support to the investigation which led to the operation involving Australia, Canada, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Malta, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Romania and the United…
Source: NATO
On 11 February, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, meet two researchers whose curiosity and love for the natural world inspired outstanding careers in bioengineering and biophotonics.
February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Mandated by the United Nations, this day draws attention to the fact that – despite some progress – women are still underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) all over the world.
Outstanding researchers from NATO members and partner countries receive support from the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme to investigate and find solutions to emerging security challenges. In celebration of this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, two award-winning scientists who find their inspiration in nature share their stories.
Dr Gozde Durmus
Driven by a curiosity about the natural world and a desire to solve complex problems, Dr Gozde Durmus is dedicating her career to scientific research. With a background in bioengineering, she has been recognised as one of the “Top Innovators Under 35” by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review. What she likes the most about science is “the freedom to explore and answer questions that I am curious about, and discover new knowledge, pushing the boundaries of our understanding and technology.”
Gozde’s expertise lies at the intersection of magnetics, nanotechnology and biomedicine. Her work focuses on developing advanced biomedical tools by creating innovative platforms that merge
engineering, biology, and microfluidics. In simpler terms, her work helps to find and understand rare cells or molecules by using magnets and tiny particles – a task as complicated as finding a needle in a haystack.
“I find immense satisfaction in the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of scientific research, as well as its potential to make meaningful impacts on society and serve patients,” says Gozde.
With support from NATO’s SPS Programme, Gozde is leading a new research project aimed at developing a smart device that combines advanced nanotechnology and artificial intelligence to detect harmful microorganisms in water and air. Such a tool could be used to tackle bacterial contamination and improve the detection of pathogens in water and air on an everyday basis. It could also play a crucial security role in rapidly responding to attacks using biological agents, and help save many lives. Her project brings together her team at Stanford University in the United States along with research groups at Ozyegin University in Türkiye, and at the University of Aberdeen campus in Qatar.
Dr Danica Pavlović
Love for nature also motivates Dr Danica Pavlović, one of the recipients of the 2020 L’Oréal-UNESCO national award ‘For Women in Science’. For Danica, being a scientist is a dream job that allows her to express her creativity and innovation.
“The charm of science is that it is dynamic, you are constantly faced with new challenges, and always learn something new.”
Danica’s research in the field of biophotonics (the study of how light interacts with biological systems) enables her to use various biology and physics methods to analyse and characterise different biological processes, structures, cells and tissues. Her work also explores biomaterials and their potential application in technology.
Recently, with support from NATO’s SPS Programme, she completed a research project that used elements from nature to enhance existing technologies. Specifically, she worked on the development of a low-cost, multispectral surveillance camera using butterfly wing scales as camera pixels. In November 2023, Danica presented a prototype of this device – whose performance has the potential to surpass most commercially available thermal cameras – directly to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during his visit to Belgrade. This project was the result of collaboration between her team at the Institute of Physics in Belgrade (Serbia) and researchers at the Institute of Physics in Zagreb (Croatia).
How does the Science for Peace and Security Programme help?
The SPS Programme brings together academics, experts and officials from NATO and partner countries who jointly lead research and knowledge exchange activities. Proposals for new activities are assessed based on technical and scientific merit, paying attention to avoid any gender bias and welcoming women-led research and insights. Opportunities for cooperation are announced as calls for proposals on the SPS website. It is also possible to stay up-to-date with the latest opportunities offered by the SPS Programme by subscribing to the SPS newsletter.
Source: NATO
Are you an artist under 35? Do you have a creative mind and want your artwork to be displayed at a permanent location in Washington D.C. where NATO will mark the 75th anniversary of the Alliance? Submit your work to the NATO mural competition – an opportunity to showcase your talent and artistic vision of the future.
In January 2024, NATO unveiled its public mural, created by street artists in Vilnius, Lithuania to celebrate the summit held in the city in 2023 and symbolise NATO’s collective defence mission. Now, NATO is calling on young artists from across the Alliance to submit artwork featuring their interpretation of peace, security, unity and freedom for the celebration of the Alliance’s 75th anniversary. Top entries will be displayed at an exhibition at the 2024 NATO Summit venue in Washington D.C. and the winner will get to work with a local street artist to feature their mural permanently on a wall in the city.
The NATO mural competition will give young talents a chance to produce a signature image for NATO’s anniversary as part of its “Protect the Future” campaign.
Eligibility:
If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply to the competition using the form below, where you will be able to submit your artwork (JPEG, PNG or PDF format) together with a brief description.
Following the deadline, all submissions will be evaluated by a panel of NATO officials. Top-rated entries will be contacted with further details.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday 1 May 2024, 23:59 CEST.
Have a question? Send us an email to: campaigns@hq.nato.int
Source: Interpol (news and events)
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire – INTERPOL has deployed a special intelligence support team to a high-risk terrorism zone in West Africa to support Côte d’Ivoire in maintaining a safe environment for Africa’s Cup of Nations – CAN.
From 13 January to 11 February, the Africa Cup brings 24 national soccer teams to Côte d’Ivoire to compete in the cities of Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, San Pedro and the capital Yamoussoukro.
To make the event as safe as possible for the three million fans travelling to Côte d’Ivoire, local police are working with INTERPOL to make sure frontline officers have the global INTERPOL tools they need to detect dangerous individuals at border checkpoints.
An INTERPOL expert team is working with Côte d’Ivoire’s national police to cross-reference passenger manifests for all incoming flights against INTERPOL’s criminal databases. The objective is to identify any suspected criminals in-flight and enable Ivorian authorities to apprehend individuals listed in INTERPOL’s databases upon their arrival.
Côte d’Ivoire is located near the Sahel region where extremist terrorist groups often clash. To prevent spill-over into Cote d’Ivoire during the CAN, police across the country have been equipped to also perform biometric checks against records of suspected terrorists.
General Youssouf Kouyate, Côte d’Ivoire’s Director of National Police, said:
“High profile sporting events attract significant global attention, making them great targets for terrorist groups seeking to spread fear. Ensuring the safety of fans, players and support staff involves complex security operations which must necessarily go beyond national borders.
“INTERPOL’s comprehensive support to Côte d’Ivoire for this event ensures that the joy of football is not overshadowed by security threats.”
Cyril Gout, INTERPOL’s Acting Executive Director of Police Services, said:
“Hosting the Africa Cup of Nations is a monumental task, but as a key part of a strong global police network of law enforcement in 196 countries, Côte d’Ivoire was not left alone to make it safe.
“Thanks to strong international police cooperation, Côte d’Ivoire police is an essential component of a larger law enforcement family, uniting global resources and expertise to ensure the safety of all – from the local communities of Côte d’Ivoire to the international guests.”
The Abidjan INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), which is part of Côte d’Ivoire’s national police force, is also playing a strategic role in making the CAN a safe place for fans.
As part of a long-term strategy to keep the country safe, the NCB ensured that sea, air, and land borders were connected to INTERPOL systems ahead of the Africa Cup so that police could spot and stop criminals trying to enter the country.
The NCB trained officers nationwide to use INTERPOL’s criminal databases and provided stadium security with mobile devices to identify potential criminals on-site. It also worked with WAPIS to facilitate comprehensive data cross-checks against national, regional, and global databases.
WAPIS is funded by the European Union and implemented by INTERPOL to boost regional security. It gives police forces real-time access to national and regional databases so that frontline officers can swiftly identify crime and criminals.
Its comprehensive information system helps maintain security by enabling swift and efficient identification and tracking of potential threats, enhancing collaboration among law enforcement agencies, and improving responses to security concerns that arise during the event.
Ahead of the CAN, INTERPOL delivered specialized training sessions for local law enforcement and security staff, focusing on INTERPOL databases and the importance of sharing intelligence with the global law enforcement community.
With the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure for such events, INTERPOL has also provided support in cybersecurity, ensuring the safety of communication and operational networks.
INTERPOL can assist a country in making high-profile events safer through various means, including intelligence sharing, database access, expert counsel, training, operational support, border management, and intelligence sharing with police forces in 196 countries across the globe.
Source: NATO
On 8 February 2024, the NATO Military Committee visited Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) headquartered at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Belgium. The visit included discussions on the Special Operations Forces (SOF) domain and SOF contributions to NATO’s multi-domain operations that are flexible, tailorable, and adaptable to the diverse challenges across the Euro-Atlantic area.
SOFCOM Deputy Commander, Brigadier Neil Grant DSO MC, received the NATO and Invitee Military Representatives: “Today’s visit of the Military Committee highlights the strategic role of SOFCOM to proactively work with and through Allied and Partner SOF in peacetime, crisis and conflict to enable SACEUR and the Joint Force Commanders to defend every inch of the Alliance.” Throughout the morning, the NATO Military Committee received briefings on SOFCOM and the role of Allied and Partner SOF contributions to collective defence as high-end specialized assets with the ability to deliver strategic effects around NATO’s core cause to protect and defend each other.
SOFCOM serves as NATO’s SOF Theatre Component Command and plays a pivotal role in the deterrence and defence of the NATO Alliance. SOFCOM coheres NATO Special Operations Forces to deliver SOF effects for a rapidly evolving strategic environment by adapting, coordinating, enabling, and supporting the integration of multinational SOF, ensuring a 360-degree approach to the Alliance’s collective defence.
Admiral Bauer highlighted the role of SOFCOM and the critical expertise Allied SOF bring to the Alliance. “Special Operations Forces are uniquely equipped to expect the unexpected – by default, they are trained to be flexible, fast and independent. They have a small footprint, with high-level of precision. True professionals, who do not only possess exceptional physical and psychological endurance, but who are also complex problem-solvers with an ability for critical thinking, flexibility and strength”, said Admiral Bauer. “With the threats that the Alliance is now facing, such as hybrid conflict situations, counterterrorism operations and operations against irregular forces, Special Operations Forces help keep NATO strong and safe,” he underscored, emphasizing the importance of Special Operations Forces in maintaining NATO’s ability and capacity to address the diverse and evolving security challenges through their unique skills, adaptability, and expertise.
In the afternoon, the NATO Military Committee toured NATO Special Operations University located on Chievres Air Base, which provides training and education to enhance the development of capable, geographically oriented Allied and Partner SOF relationships and structures to achieve NATO objectives in peacetime, crisis, and conflict.
Source: Europol
The Carabinieri Anti-Money Counterfeiting Command of Rome initiated the investigation into this criminal network in September 2020. This uncovered that the suspected members had allegedly facilitated illegal immigration through the production and dissemination of fake driving licences, registration documents, and national identification documents. The criminal network is also suspected of forging and trafficking foreign currency banknotes.Faking EU IDs and Congolese…
Source: NATO
On 29-31 January 2024, NATO headquarters welcomed the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives (NCGP) Executive Committee for their annual Plenary Session, to discuss NATO’s priorities for the integration of the gender perspective and outline the NCGP’s work plan for the upcoming year.
The annual Plenary highlighted NATO’s priorities for the integration of the gender perspective and outlined the work delivered by the NCGP. The Executive Committee planned the agenda for its annual Conference, set to take place from 6-8 May 2024. Following this, the Chair introduced the Executive Committee to the NCGP’s programme of work highlighting key Lines of Effort to support the NCGP’s output as an advisory body to the Military Committee. Briefings from the wider gender community of interest including ACO GENAD, ACT GENAD and the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations concluded the first day.
The Executive Committee attended the Military Committee working group discussions on the NCGP Terms of Reference update, which will be the first revision of the NCGP’s framework since 2014, and the military advice for NATO’s updated Women, Peace and Security Policy, which was tasked to be updated after the Vilnius Summit. They then met with the Secretary General’s Special Representative (SGSR) for Women, Peace and Security, Ms Irene Fellin, to hear about her objectives ahead of the Washington Summit. They also coordinated on how the NCGP and the SGSR’s team can better support each other in the future.
Following recent elections for the NCGP Executive Committee, Lieutenant Colonel Rosa-Linda Lucchesi (ITA-AF) was selected to serve as the next Chair-Elect, while Lieutenant Colonel Melanie Lake (CAN-A), and Lieutenant Commander Nikolai Vibe (NOR-N) will serve as the Deputy Chairs to the current Chair of the Committee, Colonel Jane Male (USA-AF), and Deputy Chair, Major Caroline Berger (NLD-AF).
The NCGP is governed by an Executive Committee and supported by IMS GENAD. The Executive Committee is comprised of the Chair, the Chair-Elect, three Deputy Chairs and the IMS Gender Advisor, and must have at least one member of each gender. Both the Executive Committee and the Military Committee (NATO’s senior military authority) can task the NCGP on specific gender-related issues.
Each NATO member and partner nation is entitled to designate one active duty officer of senior rank (or civilian equivalent) as a delegate to the NCGP. Delegates should be familiar with the latest national developments in gender approaches and tools for gender mainstreaming. They should also have knowledge of NATO and national policies relating to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and related Resolutions.
Source: NATO
In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 11 February, the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) is proud to launch a challenge for female university students and early career researchers up to 30 years of age. The Women and Girls in Science 2024 challenge aims to inspire young women to pursue and/or further their careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), to highlight NATO’s support for women in STEM-related disciplines, and to contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of women in this field.
Who: The challenge is open to individual female university students (studying for their bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD) and early career researchers up to 30 years of age from NATO member countries and Sweden.
What: Participants must submit a short research proposal of up to 1,300 words, addressing one of the following NATO Science and Technology (S&T) focus areas:
The research proposal should be guided by the following question: What research idea would you like to see NATO realise over the next five years?
The proposals should aim to solve an existing issue, or prevent the evolution of a new problem for international security.
When: Beginning on 8 February 2024, in celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, the call for proposals will close on 21 April 2024, 23:59 CET.
Where: Shortlisted participants will present their recommendations in person at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 30 May 2024.
Selection: NATO STO experts will select up to 12 applications based on criteria including novelty, relevance, coherence, feasibility and potential positive impact on society. The young women who submitted these applications will be invited to an event at NATO Headquarters on 30 May 2024 for the final phase of the challenge, where they will have 10 minutes to present their idea to an audience of STO experts and other NATO staff, followed by a five-minute Q&A session. A panel of experts will then select three overall winners.
Award: The three winners will get to visit the NATO laboratory at the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) in La Spezia, Italy, in the summer of 2024.
How to apply: To take part in the challenge, fill out the Google application form in English. The submission should explain a visionary idea in 1,300 words or less.
Any inquires may be directed to mbx.sto@HQ.NATO.INT.
Source: Eurojust
An international arrest warrant was issued against the suspect in July 2021. He was extradited to France last week at the request of the Public Prosecutor of Lille.
This dismantling was coordinated and supported by Eurojust and Europol and sent shockwaves through organised crime. Between 2020 and 2023, over 6 500 suspects were arrested and at least EUR 900 million in assets were seized, with investigations still ongoing. Eurojust supported a joint investigation team into the case from 2020.
In an update on the EncroChat investigations, in June 2023, the Public Prosecutor of Lille already announced that potential suspects who were living outside the European Union could be extradited. The French Desk at Eurojust supported the PPO of Lille in contacting the Dominican authorities to arrange the formal extradition to France.
The extradited defendant is suspected, among other things, of participating in a criminal conspiracy to illegally import and acquire illicit drugs, and aiding and abetting their illegal possession, supply and transfer. He is also suspected of participating in a criminal conspiracy, aggravated money laundering, illegal arms possession and supplying or transferring a cryptologic device without integrity control or prior declaration to the authorities.
The person concerned was indicted on 2 February and further legal proceedings will be taken. The accused has been remanded in custody and is still presumed innocent at this stage of the proceedings. Eurojust remains available to support the authorities in case of further requests.
Source: NATO
National Security Advisers from all NATO Allies and invitee Sweden met in Brussels on Wednesday (7 February 2024) to discuss preparations for the Washington Summit in July, including continued support to Ukraine, strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence, and the growing challenges posed by China.
The Secretary General highlighted that both Europe and North America are making critical contributions to preserve Ukraine’s freedom, and that support to Ukraine is in the security interest of Allies. “A Russian victory would weaken us and embolden not just Moscow, but also China, Iran, and North Korea,” he said, adding that support to Ukraine “is not charity. It is in our own security interest.”
The Secretary General underlined that in a visit to Washington, D.C. last week, he heard “strong support for Ukraine from Congressional leaders – both Republicans and Democrats”. He added: “The debate continues in Washington on funding for a number of important priorities. It is vital that the United States Congress agrees on continued support for Ukraine in the near future, and I count on all Allies to sustain their commitment.”
Mr Stoltenberg also underlined measures to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence. Since last July, NATO has agreed industry deals worth 10 billion dollars for ammunition, “including 5.5 billion dollars for 1,000 more Patriot air defence missiles just last month. A deal that will build more production capacity in Europe for this vital capability,” said the Secretary General.
On strengthening global partnerships, the Secretary General stressed that “our competitors are increasingly joining forces and Russia’s increasing cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea raises serious concerns. So it is even more important that NATO is working more closely with partners like Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.”
The National Security Advisors also condemned Iran’s destabilising role throughout the Middle East. “Attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria against U.S. forces are unacceptable. Iran must rein in its proxies,” Mr Stoltenberg said.