The EJCN, supported by Eurojust, consists of a network of judicial authorities specialised in countering the challenges of cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime and investigations in cyberspace. In 2021, EJCN participants discussed current criminal trends and analysed cases to improve future cybercrime investigations. Based on these experiences, the Network analysed the judiciary’s training needs to provide short specialised trainings during 2022. In addition to this, the EJCN contributed to Eurojust’s Cybercrime Judicial Monitor, covering legislative developments in the areas of cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime and electronic evidence.

At its 10th Plenary Meeting in June 2021, the EJCN presented its new Virtual Currency Guide for Judicial Authorities. Virtual currencies are becoming increasingly popular with criminals. They use them to pay for illegal services and goods or to buy them themselves, while hiding and laundering the proceeds of their illegal activities through virtual currencies. In the current digital age, the emergence of these virtual currencies creates serious challenges for judicial and law enforcement authorities in investigating crimes that involve their use. Considering that most countries do not have specific criminal legal provisions in this area, the Guide offers tailor-made advice for prosecutors dealing with virtual currencies.

During the Plenary meeting, practitioners also discussed the topic of cybercrime as a service and possible strategies to support victims in complex cybercrime cases.

In its most recent meeting, held in December 2021, the EJCN discussed challenges and best practices in the investigation of ransomware cases, with a special focus on the healthcare sector. The Network addressed the issue of how to better connect with the private sector to increase the efficiency of cybercrime criminal investigations. Possible synergies with third countries in relation to cybercrime and digital evidence were also discussed in the framework of EuroMed’s subgroup on digital evidence.