Training on crimes impacting property and critical infrastructure

In February 2024, Global Rights Compliance (GRC) organised expert trainings on investigating and prosecuting crimes against property and critical infrastructure for Ukrainian prosecutors and investigators, under the auspices of GRC and the T.M.C Asser Institute’s MATRA-Ukraine project.

The aim of the training was to improve participants’ understanding and application of international humanitarian and criminal law as it relates to crimes against property and attacks against critical infrastructure. Tailored to the Ukrainian context, the training provided an overview of basic concepts related to crimes against property, such as military necessity; examined how to investigate and prosecute the legal elements of the war crimes of destruction and pillage of property under the Ukrainian Criminal Code; and examined the standards and methods for investigating and building cases related to attacks on critical infrastructure.

The structure and content of the training programme sought to ensure that investigations are carried out with an understanding of the relevant underlying legal concepts, and in line with compatible investigative approaches.

Ultimately, the training equipped participants, through comprehensive sessions and practical exercises, with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively investigate and prosecute crimes related to property resources, critical infrastructure, and the use of starvation as a method of warfare. This included understanding the relevant legal frameworks, evidence collection techniques, and investigative procedures specific to such cases.