A Joint Border Control Operation (JBCO) codenamed PODOLIA recently carried out on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border by the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) has been deemed a success. The results of the operation (conducted at key locations last autumn) were assessed at EUBAM headquarters in Odessa on 22 January by representatives from Interpol, Europol, and EUBAM’s partner services in Moldova and Ukraine, an EUBAM press release said.
 
PODOLIA aimed at increasing the effectiveness of border and customs control, preventing and combating trans-border crimes, and enhancing inter-agency and international cooperation. It was the 10th JBCO to have been coordinated by EUBAM together with its partners in Moldova and Ukraine, international organisations and law enforcement authorities of EU Member States.
 
The operation was supported by, among other organisations, the National Coordination Bureau of Interpol in Kyiv, Europol, Frontex and several EU Member State border and customs authorities.
 
JBCO PODOLIA used special Task Force Teams that operated at selected border crossing points and inland customs points targeting specific types of crime. Participants considered the JBCO “a success in all key areas: strengthening border and customs control at the border and inland locations, enhancing cooperation between Moldovan and Ukrainian law enforcement bodies, and between the partner services and international organisations/agencies, as well as ensuring an adequate response to identified threats.” (EU Neighbourhood Info)