In a digital World as the one we live in, Open-Source Information (OSINF) is essential to get insights into criminal activities, globally. Criminals are very active on the Web, in Palestine, as in Europe. 

Open-Source Information is key to contrast crime nowadays. It relies heavily on information produced by collecting, evaluating and analysing publicly available information with the purpose of answering a specific intelligence question. This is possible also as we all leave behind certain digital traces. Criminals are no exception when it comes to online footprint, however skilled they can be. 

This is why EUPOL COPPS advisors from Germany, the Netherlands and Canada conducted an OSINF training course for the Department of Information (DOU) of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) in Ramallah, in three sessions, between July and August this year. 

Hapet Halici, EUPOL COPPS’ Cyber Crime Adviser concluded the training course on 14 August. His session included exercises on how to perform reverse image analysis, how to deal with fake accounts, tips on search engines and examples on the usage of OSINF investigators in a real-life scenario.

Major Ibrahim Faroun, who attended the course, said that it had further enhanced his knowledge: “It is a very good training, and it will be useful to our colleagues working in the field.”

The previous two sessions included topics such as the methodology of OSINF investigation, with practical detailing on techniques, such as “street viewing”, the dangers of the dark and deep web, from drug and/or weapon trafficking and selling, the use of search engines, social media, and the importance of minimizing digital footprint and reporting.