Integrating European expertise: ESBU and Norwegian experts discussed new approaches to investigations

 The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine consistently implements European standards of work. A working meeting of the ESBU leadership with experts from Norway, organized by the JustGroup organization, took place at the department. The event was dedicated to modern approaches to conducting a procedural interview and the use of digital tools in documenting investigations.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Directors of the ESBU Taras Shcherbai, Pavlo Buzdyhan, and Yurii Bielousov. The Norwegian side was represented by international experts and partners, in particular Asbjørn Rachlew, Gisle Kvanvig, Xander Radpay, Børge Hansen, Susanne Hendrika Flølo, and Katherina Lavrynenko Friis-Olsen, as well as JustGroup representatives Vasylyna Yavorska and Anna Petrovska.

The ESBU leadership informed the partners about the transformation of the body, aimed at increasing the quality of investigations, developing the analytical component, and forming an effective evidence base. It was emphasized that the ESBU is the only body that carries out pre-trial investigations of economic crimes, and the integration of international experience is a necessary condition for increasing the effectiveness of work.

During the meeting, Norwegian experts shared approaches to the procedural interview, which is widely used in European countries. The methodology combines legal norms with scientific approaches in the field of cognitive psychology and communication, which allows for obtaining complete, consistent, and reliable testimony without the use of pressure and with respect for human rights.

Significant attention was paid to innovative technologies. The Norwegian partners presented modern means of video recording with elements of artificial intelligence. They ensure continuous recording of procedural actions, allow for the structuring of the information obtained, and increase the quality of documentation. At the same time, such solutions provide the opportunity for remote participation in procedural actions, in particular, involving experts or other participants, regardless of their location.

The ESBU emphasized that the implementation of such approaches is a component of the systematic modernization of the body and the transition to standards focused on quality, results, and respect for human rights.

Following the results of the meeting, the parties agreed on the further development of cooperation, in particular, the exchange of experience, training of employees, and the gradual implementation of modern European practices and technological solutions into the activities of the ESBU.

The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine thanks the Norwegian partners and JustGroup for the professional dialogue, expert support, and openness to cooperation.