CEPOL Research and Science Conference: the first ever accolades for the best papers awarded

Of the 54 papers presented at the CEPOL Research and Science Conference 2024/2025 on “Tackling the world of High-Risk Criminal Networks,” three were recognised by peers and awarded. At the closing ceremony, the Excellence in Law Enforcement Research Award, the Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award, and the Best Conference Presentation Award were given.

The Best Conference Presentation Award was given to Marc Reina Tortosa for his presentation “EL PACCTO 2.0 Mapping and Profiling the Most Threatening Criminal Networks in Latin America and the Caribbean.” The awardee is a Senior Executive Manager of the EU flagship Programme on justice and security, which aims to assist Latin American and Caribbean partners in the fight against transnational organised crime. His study was met with widespread acclaim from both practitioners and academics, who underlined its clarity, rigour, and significant contribution to our understanding of transnational criminal networks.

The Outstanding Scientific Contribution Award was granted to Patricia Faraldo Cabana of Universidade da Coruña for her insightful research “Exploring the EU Perspective on the Organised Nature of the Trafficking in Cultural Goods.” Prof. Faraldo Cabana’s presentation addressed a niche topic, effectively spotting a relevant gap in the existing legal framework. Her work not only deepens our understanding of illicit cultural trafficking in Europe but also paves the way for future policy advancements.

The Excellence in Law Enforcement Research Award was awarded to Zaur Gouliev from University College Dublin for his pioneering study “Disinformation-as-a-Service: The Emerging High-Risk Criminal Networks of ‘Influence’ Operators.” Doctoral Researcher Gouliev’s presentation was very well-received as it tackled a technical yet pressing issue. By highlighting how disinformation can exploit a psychological vulnerability that affects us all, his research offers critical insights into the challenges of our increasingly complex digital landscape.

Congratulations to the winners and special thanks to all authors who submitted papers for CEPOL’s 2024/2025 Research & Science Conference, focusing on “Tackling the world of High-Risk Criminal Networks."

Papers discussed during the three days will be published in a Special Conference Edition of the European Law Enforcement Research Bulletin, so that ideas and knowledge can be shared within the law enforcement community, fostering and facilitating broader discussions and becoming a source of inspiration for the future.