Migrant smuggling and trafficking in people remain some of the most persistent challenges in the Western Balkans. Although various strategies have been implemented, one of the most effective yet underutilized tools in combatting these crimes is the application of financial investigations and criminal asset recovery. These approaches aim to strike at the root of criminal operations—targeting the financial profits that drive such illicit activities.
The workshop “Change Management in Combating Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking with Financial Investigations” was organised by MARRI Regional Centre with support of European Development Academy in Slovenia with an aim to empower participants with practical change management strategies to successfully lead and implement changes within their organizations. It was specifically designed to focus on the implementation of financial investigations as a strategic tool in combating migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. As pointed out by the MARRI RC Director Snezana Trajanovska, MSc, the proposed concept was not only innovative but also highly relevant and useful for the MARRI’s key stakeholders working in that field.
Slovenian experts affiliated with the European Development Academy from Slovenia: Andreja Dolničar Jeraj, Dr Tatjana Dragović, Anton Štubljar, Damjana Slapar Burkat and Marjana Grašič introduced the participants to advanced change management strategies that would facilitate the integration of financial investigation methods within their organizations. Participants were guided through the Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement (ADKAR) change management model, enabling them to develop actionable plans to disrupt criminal networks and target the financial gains that fuel these illicit activities. Using real-life examples from financial investigations in the fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking, participants were encouraged to assess their organization’s readiness for change, identify obstacles, and explore actionable steps to move forward.
While this strategy is acknowledged as essential by the EU and supported by documents like the 9 June 2016 Council Conclusions and Action Plan on Financial Investigation, its implementation across the Western Balkans remains inconsistent. The continued collaboration between MARRI and European Development Academy in Slovenia will aim to build the capacity of the law enforcement practitioners in the region to incorporate financial investigations into their everyday operations.