From September, 2 to September, 5, 2025, an intensive four-day course on training trainers in the use of open source information (OSINT) and criminal investigations has been held at the Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, with the participation of representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission to Ukraine (EUAM).
The meeting with international experts was attended by rector Serhii Vitvitskyi, first vice-rector Olena Volobuieva, director of the E. O. Didorenko Educational and Scientific Institute for Training Specialists for Criminal Police Units Mykola Tyshlek, deputy director for Educational and Research Activities Olha Merdova and head of the International Cooperation Unit Viktoriia Moskalenko
The DonSUIA rector Serhii Vitvitskyi emphasized the importance of integrating international experience into the educational process: “Such trainings are extremely valuable for our University. They provide an opportunity to adopt best practices, form new approaches to learning, and prepare cadets for effective work in modern conditions.”
The speakers of the training were EUAM Senior Open Source Intelligence Advisors Teo Mandoqui and Juan Carlos Arias Lopez, as well as a criminal investigation expert Vasyl Bodnariuk.
The peculiarity of the course was combining practical experience in documenting crimes and searching for information from open sources in Ukraine with international OSINT methods for collecting, analyzing, and using information in law enforcement activities and pre-trial investigations.
Scientific and pedagogical staffers, higher education seekers, as well as representatives of the criminal police units of the Main Office of the National Police of Ukraine in the Kirovohrad region worked on the main resources for collecting information, analyzed various Internet resources, open databases, etc. The issues of cybersecurity, personal data protection, the use of artificial intelligence in law enforcement activities, the differences between OSINT and other types of intelligence, the use of various search engines, and creation of special accounts for OSINT investigations were considered separately.
During practical classes, specialists and cadets practiced working with search engines, analyzing metadata, checking photo and video materials, as well as the rules for identifying, storing, and using digital evidence.
Upon completing the course, the participants received certificates confirming their successful mastering of the curriculum.
The event took place within the framework of the EUAM program
“Operational Support for Strategic Advice on Ukraine’s Civilian Security Sector Reform” and became an important step in developing international cooperation and increasing the efficiency of training specialists for Ukrainian police units.
