240 judges from courts of various levels, prosecutors, and criminal investigation officers strengthened their knowledge on ensuring electoral integrity, combating corruption, and preventing illicit financing. The training sessions were organized in partnership with the National Institute of Justice, with the support of the “Resilient Democracy through Anti-Corruption” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Moldova.

The courses, held between April and June 2026, covered standards of evidence, the use of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies, blockchain technologies, international cooperation, and the management of digital evidence in complex cases.

“I believe these topics are extremely important for professionals, as we need to keep pace with new methods of committing crimes and understand how evidence should be collected. As a public prosecutor, I handle criminal cases related to electoral corruption, and I can say that digital evidence is increasingly part of the evidentiary process. Therefore, the knowledge gained through this training is highly valuable and will certainly be applied in practice,” said Irina Catan, Prosecutor and former delegate to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.

At the same time, 200 police officers from Orhei, Taraclia, Comrat, and Ceadîr-Lunga enhanced their skills in identifying, documenting, and investigating electoral corruption cases. The training addressed issues such as vote-buying, illegal political party financing, unlawful electoral advertising, and other practices that undermine the integrity of electoral processes.

Particular emphasis was placed on the use of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), with 10 representatives of law enforcement institutions participating in a training-of-trainers programme.

“This course provides real support to professionals who face new forms of crime on a daily basis, as criminal activities gradually move from the physical world into the digital sphere. It is also a key element in developing the essential competencies and skills of our trainees,” said Constantin Rusnac, Vice-Rector for Studies and Quality Management at the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In addition to the training activities, the European Union and UNDP will donate essential equipment to operationalize an OSINT laboratory at the Ștefan cel Mare Police Academy, enabling practical training opportunities for students and law enforcement professionals.

Furthermore, 30 journalists from different regions of the country enhanced their investigative skills related to electoral corruption. This initiative contributes to strengthening the capacity of the media to inform the public and provide independent oversight of democratic processes.

The series of training activities builds on efforts launched in the autumn of last year, when 250 justice sector professionals participated in similar programmes.

Also last year, another 25 journalists explored new techniques in investigative journalism, newsroom collaboration, and the use of modern documentation methods.