On 5-7 October, IOM Georgia has conducted Open Source Intelligence training for the analysts of the Information-Analytical Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Customs Department of the Revenue Service (RS) to further increase their analytical capacities and particularly in terms of gathering and structuring information from openly available sources.

3-day training in Tbilisi was facilitated by the trainer from Germany - Matthias Wilson. During the interactive sessions, trainees were equipped with a knowledge of various practical, applicable techniques of open source intelligence and its methodology. The training aimed at improving the existing practices of collection, evaluation, collation, interpretation and analysis of information for tackling all forms of transnational crime, in particular the irregular migration and smuggling of goods. In conclusion of the training, the participants received a certificate from IOM.

Mr. Massimo Ramanzin, Senior IBM Programme Manager of IOM Mission to Georgia, Ms. Natia Japaridze, Head of the Project Management Division of MIA International Relations Department, and Mr. Mindia Grdzelidze, Deputy Head of RS International Relations Department attended the training and welcomed the participants.

This activity is part of the IOM project – “Support to Integrated Border Management in Georgia”, implemented under the EU4 Security, Accountability and Fight against Crime in Georgia (SAFE) Programme. The project follows up on comprehensive EU support in the last 10 years, dedicated to strengthening Georgia’s immigration and border management capabilities, to cement compliance with relevant EU-Georgia Agreements and the visa liberalisation benchmarks.