Vitalii Dragunov, Head of the Territorial Department of the Economic Security Bureau in Kyiv, took part in the first regional conference "Risks of cross-border crime in open Europe - common challenges, solutions" held in Chisinau.

The conference focused on joint counteraction to illegal financial flows, smuggling of excisable goods, cross-border trade in arms and dual-use goods and drug trafficking. The debates took place in three focus groups.

Representatives of Moldovan law enforcement agencies emphasized that the fight against illicit tobacco trafficking should be a priority area of cooperation, as they believe it is one of the most serious risks to the economies of both countries.

The event was also attended by law enforcement officers, parliamentarians, diplomats from Ukraine, Romania and the Republic of Moldova, EU ambassadors and experts from international organizations: OLAF, EUBAM, EUAM, Europol, EUPM, FRONTEX, EUROJUST, SELEC.

The conference will become a traditional platform for an open and constructive dialogue between law enforcement officials where participants will have the opportunity to share experiences and find ways to address issues of common interest.