First Official Visit of the Russian Federation to the European Cybercrime Centre

Strengthening international law enforcement cooperation in the fight against cybercrime was the central topic of discussion during yesterday’s official visit of a delegation from the Russian Federation to the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) at Europol.

Mr Troels Oerting, Head of EC3, and EC3 Management met with Mr Ilya Rogachev, Director of the Department for New Challenges and Threats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as well as with representatives from the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the European Union, the Federal Security Service, and the Embassy in The Hague.

“It is an important step for the EU law enforcement community to engage in more direct cooperation with the Russian Federation on cybercrime and cyber protection,” stated Mr Oerting. “This meeting underlines the efforts on both sides to establish steps for intensified cooperation following the signing of an operational agreement with Europol at the end of this year.” Mr Rogachev, the head of the Russian delegation, also expressed strong interest in “using diplomatic umbrellas for international cooperation.”

At present, the main focus for Russia in combatting cybercrime is on securing critical infrastructures, while EC3’s primary emphasis is on cybercriminal organized crime groups. Increasing the reporting of cybercrimes, harmonizing the approaches of the different jurisdictions, and the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation were further discussed during the meeting.     

Representatives from the European Cybercrime Centre provided a detailed overview of EC3’s current operational and non-operational activities, followed by a tour of the EC3’s facilities and operational rooms. Mr N. Murashov, Expert from the Federal Security Service, also delivered a presentation on the experience of the Russian Federation in combating cybercrime.