Joint action against doping in cycling team takes place in six countries  

Judicial and law enforcement authorities in France, Belgium, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Poland and Slovenia have carried out a coordinated action against the use of illegal drugs in cycling races. Furthermore, based on a request from French authorities, the Danish Police have carried out a search at one of the Tour de France hotels in Copenhagen. The action was supported by Eurojust and Europol. 

The case was opened at Eurojust on 11 May 2022 at the request of the French authorities. The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Marseille had started an investigation into suspected doping violations involving an international cycling team owned by an Italian company.

An urgent coordination meeting was hosted by Eurojust on 16 June to facilitate judicial cooperation, including the execution of seven European Investigation Orders (EIOs) in the countries involved, and the preparation of the joint action.

Europol provided analytical support, assisted with the exchange of information and deployed officers on the spot.

In a joint action carried out from 27 to 30 June, a total of 14 locations were searched in six countries. Three people were interrogated.

In Italy, several locations were searched and a range of electronic equipment (including laptops, smartphones, hard disks and pen drives), pharmaceutical substances and supplements were seized.

In Belgium, a computer, a mobile phone and capsules with undetermined content were seized in one house search.

In Poland, one house search was carried out. A series of electronic devices and pharmaceutical substances were seized.

In Slovenia, 412 capsules with undetermined brown content and 67 capsules with undetermined white content were found, and one mobile phone was seized in a house search.

In Spain, houses and premises were searched and electronic devices were seized.

Based on a letter rogatory (letter of request) from French authorities, the Danish Police carried out a search at a hotel in Brøndby, a suburb of Copenhagen.

The following authorities were involved in the operations:

  • France: PPO PSP (Health Crime Unit) of Marseille and OCLAESP (Central office combatting crimes against the environment and public health)
  • Belgium: Federal prosecutor’s office and the federal judicial police of Brussels
  • Denmark: Copenhagen Police
  • Spain: Investigative Court num. 8 in Alicante; International Cooperation Section of the Prosecutor’s Office in Alicante; Judicial Police Unit of Policía Nacional in Alicante
  • Croatia: County State Attorney’s Office in Rijeka
  • Italy: PPO Brescia and Carabinieri for the Protection of Public Health (NAS) Units of Brescia, Roma and Ragusa
  • Poland: The Circuit Prosecutor’s Office and City Police in Łódź
  • Slovenia: District Court and Slovenian Police

The International Criminal Court at 20

The International Criminal Court will organise an online conference as part of the Court’s activities for the 20th anniversary. The conference “International Criminal Court at 20: Reflections on the Past, Present and Future”, will take place from 09:30 to 18:00 on Friday, 1 July 2022, and webcast live in English, French and Spanish on the ICC’s YouTube channel.

Join the discussion on the ICC’s Facebook Event and browse the exciting line-up of conference panel experts on the ICC’s 20th anniversary webpage.

The conference will be an occasion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the International Criminal Court as one of the permanent pillars of the international legal system. The entry into force, on 1 July 2002, of the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, enabled the commencement of the Court’s operations under its mandate aimed at ensuring accountability for the gravest crimes under international law, contributing to their prevention, and providing justice to victims.

The conference will start with a keynote speech by the Chair of Rome Conference and first ICC President, H.E. Mr. Philippe Kirsch, followed by three substantive panels on various aspects on the Court’s work. Speakers will include the President, Prosecutor and Registrar of the ICC, the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the ICC’s Trust Fund for Victims, the President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association, as well leading academics, civil society experts and practitioners.

The conference will allow for in-depth discussions on the different aspects of the Court’s concrete operations, from the earliest reports of alleged crimes to final judgments and the reparation of victims. It will also be an occasion for reflections on how well the ICC has met expectations, as well as what main trends can be discerned for the further development of the international criminal justice system going forward.

Eurojust supports action against use of illegal emission devices in South Korean cars

Supported by Eurojust, authorities in Germany and Luxembourg have carried out a coordinated action against the use of illegal emission devices in cars produced by two South Korean companies. During an action day, eight searches were carried out and communication data, software and planning documents were seized.

Today’s coordinated action follows the General Public Prosecutor’s Office in Frankfurt am Main’s investigation of suspected fraud and air pollution, as well as the aiding and abetting of those responsible for the automobile companies and automotive supplier group.

By 2020, the manufacturing companies had brought onto the market more than 210 000 diesel vehicles, which were allegedly equipped with illegal emission tools – so-called ‘defeat devices’. These devices were responsible for interfering with or disabling exhaust gas cleaning mechanisms, causing the vehicles to emit significantly more nitrogen oxides while in operation than legally permitted.

Customers who bought the vehicles were deceived, having not been informed that the vehicles failed to meet the emissions requirements. All car models with 1.1 l, 1.4 l, 1.6 l, 1.7 l, 2.0 l and 2.2 l diesel engines were affected.

In an action day coordinated by Eurojust on 28 June, business premises in eight properties across Germany and Luxembourg were searched. The searches were carried out by approximately 180 investigators from the Hessian Police and the General Public Prosecutor’s Office in Frankfurt am Main, and 14 members of the Service de Police Judiciaire, Section Entraide Judiciaire Internationale and Section Nouvelles Technologies, in Luxembourg.

One focus of the measures was in the Rhine-Main area. Various pieces of evidence, including communication data, software and planning documents, have been seized.

The German authorities initiated the investigation in June 2019, and the case was opened at Eurojust in 2022. Eurojust enabled the cooperation of the various authorities involved during the action day.

The following authorities took part in the operations:

Germany: General Public Prosecutor’s Office Frankfurt am Main, Hesse State Police

Luxembourg: Service de Police Judiciaire, Section Entraide Judiciaire Internationale and Section Nouvelles Technologies 

Ceremony of Merit for Departing Ambassador Irene Mkwawa Kasyanju

A Ceremony of Merit to honour the Ambassador of Tanzania in the Netherlands and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps H.E. Ms Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju.

The ceremony was held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague on 21 June 2022. Diplomat Magazine presented a Certificate of Merit to H.E. Irene Florence kwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in recognition of her outstanding contribution to strengthening Tanzania’s bilateral ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and for promoting strategic diplomatic engagement.

Further, for her significant involvement with international organizations, for her exceptional performance during her stint as Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, for supporting  the Dutch-Tanzanian community and in gratitude for her support to the diplomatic community at large and the Media.

H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen during her touching and personal speech honouring her friendship and solid ties with Ambassador Kasyanju.
H.E. Ms Odette Melono, Deputy Secretary General OPCW.

On the program, rendition of Tanzania National Anthem Mungu ibariki Afrika, followed by the  Netherlands’ National Anthem, Wilhelmus. Eulogiums were delivered by Her Excellency, Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and by Her Excellency, Odette Melono, Deputy Director General of the OPCW. Both ladies lauded the wonderful and altruistic personality of Ambassador Irene Mkwawa Kasyanju and how pleasurable it has been to work with her.

Part of the attendees to the Ceremony of Merit for Ambassador of Tanzania.

Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine presented the Certificate of Merits along with a flower bouquet to the departing Ambassador.

In her acceptance speech Ambassador Irene kwawa Kasyanju, noted, time flies fast. “In October 2015 I set foot in this beautiful country to serve as Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in the Netherlands. Less did I know that I would stay for 6 years and 8 months! My successful discharges would not have been possible without the unwavering support I received from the Diplomatic Corps, the Dutch government and the business community.”  

Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine presented the Certificate of Merits along with a flower bouquet to the departing Ambassador.

“I am indebted to many individuals, companies, and organizations for supporting me during my time here in the Netherlands. I am equally grateful to my colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands as well as several media channels such as Diplomat Magazine for their support.”

“I wish to end my remarks with a note that I came here as a stranger, but I am leaving as a friend and family. Bidding farewells to friends and family is never easy, but life has its destiny too. I will always treasure our friendship and those good memories of this splendid country.”  

The Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Hatem Abdelkader, H.E. Mrs. Rawan Suliaman, Head of Palestine Mission and the Ambassador of Tunisia H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani during the ceremony.
listening to the speeches, Ceremony of Merit Ambassador of Tanzania.

Dozens of Ambassador Mkwawa Kasyanju’s colleagues and friends came by to say goodbye and offered her gifts and flower bouquets. Among the attendees’ Ambassadors and diplomats from Palestine, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Cuba, Burundi, South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, OPCW, diplomats from Nigeria and Vietnam, families and staffers of the embassy of Tanzania.  

Diplomat Magazine thanked  Leonardo Royal Hotel for their valuable and constant support in making this event possible and for their continuous collaboration in Diplomat Magazine’s events.    The ceremony concluded with a reception and savouring a stylish cake in the Tanzanian national colours made by Marta Orban, from Sweet & Spice.                                       

H.E. Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania and H.E Mr. Gamaliel Nkurunziza, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi.
H.E. Ms. Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps with her husband and daughter.

Certificate of Merit – Ceremony of Merit- Farewell ceremony

Malta’s Election to the United Nation Security Council Vernissage 

By Roy Lie Atjam

On the occasion of Malta’s election to the United Nations Security Council H.E. Mr. Mark Anthony Pace, Ambassador of Malta in the Netherlands, organized the launching of the exhibition of paintings by the multitalented artist Lida Sherafatmand, on 20 June 2022. The venue was the new premises of the Chancellery of Malta.

After cordially welcoming his guests, Ambassador Pace delivered his remarks. Pace was elated that Malta once again has been elected to the UN Security Council. It is the second time that Malta was elected as a member of the Security Council, having been on the council between 1983 and 1984. This year on 9 June, Malta was elected again to join the UN Security Council as of 1 January 2023.

The exhibition and reception were very well attended, among the attendees were the Ambassadors from Germany, UK, Australia, North Macedonia, Cameron, Costa Rica, Croatia, Georgia, Rwanda, Cyprus, Latvia, Sweden, Belgium, Greece, Palestine, among many others, also diplomats from Nigeria, Romania, Ecuador and others. Harvard University Prof. Hauwa Ibrahim a long-time friend of Lida Sherafatmand, grace the exhibition with her presence.

Nigerian Human rights lawyer, Hauwa Ibrahim, Lida Sherafatmand, H.E. Liguemoh Ondoua Madeleine, Ambassador of Cameroon and Milko Nestoroski.

Here is an extract from the Ambassador’s remarks.

“Thank you for joining us as we mark Malta’s election to the UN Security Council for 2023-2024. The last time Malta served on the Security Council was in 1983-1984, you will appreciate that this is a landmark moment for Maltese diplomacy.

We are honored and at the same time conscious of the responsibility that comes along with this election particularly as we witness the outbreak of war on our continent.

To commemorate Malta’s election tonight we are launching an exhibition by a Maltese painterEarlier this year Lida’s paintings were exhibited at the Flower Art Museum in Aalsmeer-NL.”

 “The more I hear violent news, the more I paint gentle flowers.” (Lida)

Lida’s quest to see people live happily in peace and harmony and her passion for beauty led her to the style of painting she has now adopted.

Flowers are the main physical object of Lida Sherafatmand’s paintings, they are delightful. Some of Lida’s original works on display at the Embassy of Malta were: Gentiana Lutea and Flower of wild strawberry. Further, Primula vulgaris, Spirit of dandelion, Viola gracilis, (these latter five pieces are on loan from the Natural History Museum Dr Nikola Nezlobinski in Struga, North Macedonia) Reason & Cause and Iran’s soul.

The three political science books by Cambridge University Press which feature Lida’s art on the cover were also on display. The authors include Richard Ned Lebow, Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, and Shirin Saeidi.

Lida Sherafatmand has developed a concept named Florescensism. 

Florescencism is the philosophy of flowering based on human nature, with a floral language demonstrated via painting. Florescensism is derived from the Latin “flor” (flower) and carries two interrelated meanings:

1) The flowers themselves, which are the main physical object of the paintings;

2) Flowering as a metaphor used in many cultures and languages ​​and symbolizing the flowering of an individual or an entire civilization.

The florescensism concept has since further developed into the “Manifesto of Florescencism” and is co-authored by Lida and Milko Nestoroski. This artistic manifesto aims to confront a crisis by going beyond the national into the realm of natural earth and the environment.

Malta‘s Election to the United Nation Security Council Vernissage.

The artist Milko Nestoroski was also present at the launching of the exhibition  Mr Nestoroski held an expose on his two dolls,  “Muses of Reflection, Ambassadors of the Otherworld”.

According to Nestoroski, these two dolls express the privilege of aesthetics of water, as we require water for our bodies and water aesthetics for our spirit. We find that they match the theme of water security, being on the missions of the UN Security Council,  of which Malta is now a member.

Incontestably, meeting the artist Lida Sherafatmand and admiring the works of her hands has been a tremendous delight. What is more, taking in the odour of her bouquet of flowers-her paintings takes away one’s breath.

Large-scale operation in Germany and Romania against organised abuse of social benefits

Authorities in Germany and Romania have dismantled a criminal network suspected of defrauding the German state of up to EUR 2 million in child benefits. During an action day supported by Eurojust, one suspect was arrested and 44 places were searched in both countries.

Between 2014 and 2017, the organised crime group (OGC) allegedly recruited vulnerable families in unstable financial situations in Romania and brought them to Germany through deception or coercion. When the families arrived in Germany, the suspects provided them with accommodation, opened bank accounts, and applied for child benefit and other social benefits.

As soon as the benefits were paid, the suspects sent the families back to Romania and collected the benefits for themselves. Since a place of residence or habitual residence in Germany is a prerequisite for receiving child benefit, the withdrawal was unjustified.

According to the status of the investigation in Germany, the damage caused is up to EUR 2 million.

The case was opened at Eurojust at the request of the German authorities. Four coordination meetings were hosted by Eurojust to facilitate judicial cooperation and provide support for the coordinated investigative efforts.

During a joint action day on 28 June, one suspect was arrested in Romania, based on a European Arrest Warrant issued by Germany. A total of 44 house searches were carried out, including 29 in Germany and 15 in Romania. A significant number of documents, including identity documents, confirming the criminal activity of the OCG were seized.

In Romania, 92 people were summoned for interview. At the Romanian Police headquarters, 45 people were interrogated as suspects, including 30 in Vaslui County, 8 in Bacău County, 4 in Galați County and 1 in Vrancea, Iași and Neamț counties. More people are expected to be interrogated in the near future.

The operation on the Romanian territory was carried out with the participation of 293 policemen, 23 from DIC County and 270 from IPJ Vaslui County, including criminologists and members of the special action teams of the Romanian Police and other county police inspectorates. In Vaslui County, two prosecutors from Germany, accompanied by the liaison officer from the Bundeskriminalamt stationed in Bucharest and the Romanian prosecutor from the Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) – Central Structure, also participated in the operation.

The following authorities took part in the operations:

Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office in Bochum; Dortmund Police Headquarters
Romania: Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT)

Over EUR 4 million seized from Italian organised crime

Supported by Eurojust, authorities in Italy, Romania, Bulgaria and Switzerland carried out a coordinated action against a group suspected of carrying out money laundering activities for the Italian ‘Ndrangheta mafia. In an action day, the main suspect was arrested and assets worth over EUR 4 million were seized.

According to the investigations led by the Antimafia Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bologna, the main suspect, an Italian businessman closely connected to the ‘Ndrangheta mafia, fictitiously transferred assets worth millions of euros to proxies to avoid their preventive confiscation.

It is believed that, in 2018, through a complex set of financial operations involving companies registered in several countries, the suspect acquired the beneficial ownership of two electric power plants in Romania worth around EUR 2 million.

Italian authorities also identified other assets allegedly held by the suspect, such as numerous financial relationships with Swiss banks, the ownership of valuable real estate in Bulgaria and investments in US securities subsequently transferred between foreign companies worth EUR 15 million.

The suspect was already arrested in 2018 and convicted to nine years of imprisonment in 2020 in Italy for acting as an intermediary of the ‘Ndrangheta to invest their illicit assets in lucrative businesses, especially abroad. The suspect’s assets were targeted by an antimafia preventive freezing order in 2018.

The main suspect’s accomplices are his financial consultant, an expert in devising international financial operations to hide the real beneficial owner of the investments, and other businessmen acting as proxies.

The case was opened at Eurojust in April 2022 by the Italian authorities. The Agency supported the operation by assisting with the execution of European Investigation Orders and freezing orders against the suspect’s assets in Romania and Bulgaria.

The Antimafia Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bologna requested assistance from Switzerland through mutual legal assistance.

Eurojust enabled the cooperation of the various authorities involved during the action day that took place on 27 June. As a result, the main suspect was arrested. The share capital and corporate assets of an Italian company, the balance of two foreign accounts (Romanian and Swiss), the company shares of two Romanian companies, three current accounts and two real estate properties located in Sofia (Bulgaria) were seized.

The following authorities took part in the operations:

Italy: Procura della Repubblica di Bologna – Direzione Distrettuale Antimafia e Antiterrorismo e Guardia di Finanza, Gruppo Investigativo Criminalità Organizzata di Bologna.

Romania: Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism, Timisoara Territorial Office; Timisoara Brigade for Combating Organized Crime, Romanian Police.

Bulgaria: Special Prosecutors Office and General Police Directorate for Combating Organized Crime; Sofia District Court

Switzerland: Office of the Attorney General

​Marrakesh- People against the Islamic State​​

By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta


The ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh (Arabic for ISIS) took place on May 11 in Marrakesh, Morocco, with representatives from more than 80 countries and international organizations.

The meeting was organized at the joint invitation of the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Foreigners, Nasser Burita, and the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken. This first meeting of the Global Coalition against ISIS in Africa is another step in the framework of international commitment and coordination in the fight against the Islamic State (IS), with particular emphasis on the African continent, as well as the evolving terrorist threat in the Middle East and other areas.

Participants expressed concern about the proliferation of separatist movements in Africa, which are destabilizing and making African states more vulnerable, creating favorable conditions for ISIS and other terrorist and violent extremist organizations, the statement said. of this international conference.

They also noted the existence of a link between separatist and terrorist movements acting in collusion, exploiting existing weaknesses in a way that multiplies their destabilizing impact.

The hosting of this international meeting from Morocco reflects the confidence enjoyed by the special approach taken by the Kingdom under the leadership of King Mohammed VI in the fight against terrorism.

The meeting reaffirms Morocco ‘s full commitment to ensuring close coordination with its partners to eliminate the threat posed by IK and aimed at regional security and stability, thus combating terrorism and extremism on the African continent at its source.

The meeting of the international coalition against the Islamic State in numbers:
    • Participating countries: 79
    • African participating countries: 19
    • Participating Asian countries: 8
    • Participating Arab countries: 9
    • Participating international organizations: European Union, Arab League, International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Sahara Community.
    • Number of participating ministers: 47 (of which 38 foreign ministers)
    • Total number of participants: 400

Lorenzo Ravano accredited as Princely Ambassador in Germany

Tuesday, 21 June 2022, Berlin-Tiergarten, Germany: At the Langhanssaal in Bellevue Palace, German Federal President Dr. Frank Walter Steinmeier received the letters of credence from Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano, which formally accredited the latter to the country as novel head of mission representing His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince of Monaco. The Monégasque Embassy in Germany likewise heeds relations vis-à-vis the Republic of Austria, and the Republic of Poland. 

Lorenzo Livio Maria Ravano is well-acquainted to Germany, and speaks the German language in addition to his native French. In the same measure he masters the Italian, English and Spanish languages, and served previously in the capacity as Minister-Counsellor-Deputy Head of Mission of the Princely Monégasque Embassy to Germany, Poland and Austria as well as Deputy  Permanent  Representative of the Principality of Monaco to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe  (OSCE) and International Organizations based in Vienna from 2017, and up to his first ambassadorship. 

Before arriving in Berlin, Ambassador Ravano served in the capacity as Counsellor, subsequently First Counsellor (from 2016) and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Monaco in the United States of America and Canada, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Principality of Monaco to the Organization of American States (from 2011). Serving in Washington D.C. from 2008 through 2017. 

The Ambassador holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the International University of Monacosumma cum laude. Moreover, a Postgraduate European Education and Diploma in International Marketing issued by the Academy of Brussels

For further information 

Embassy of the Principality of Monaco in Germany: https://www.gouv.mc/Action-Gouvernementale/Monaco-a-l-International/La-Diplomatie-et-la-Presence-Internationale/Relations-bilaterales/Tous-les-Pays/Allemagne

For picture copyright, see (https://en.gouv.mc/Policy-Practice/Monaco-Worldwide/Diplomacy-and-International-Presence/News/Monaco-participates-in-2018-OSCE-Mediterranean-Conference)

Crackdown on criminal network dealing with sexual exploitation and human trafficking  

Supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities in France, Spain and Portugal have dismantled a criminal network involved in sexual exploitation and human trafficking. During an action day, ten suspects were arrested and twelve locations searched in the three countries involved. Seizures include EUR 20 000 in cash, two vehicles and electronic equipment.

Beginning in France in 2021, the investigations revealed that a series of prostitution activities that took place in several towns in France were handled by a structure based in Spain. The services of the victims, who were of Latin American origin, were announced on a dedicated website and through telephone lines managed from Spain. 

It is believed that the profits generated by the prostitution activities in France were also sent to Spain.

The case was opened at Eurojust in 2021 at the request of the French investigative judge from JIRS Nancy. Three coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation, including the execution of six European Investigation Orders (EIOs) in Spain and two in Portugal, and the preparation of the joint action day.

Europol provided analytical support, assisted with the exchange of information and deployed officers on the spot during the action day.

During a joint action day on 20 June, four suspects were arrested in Spain in three house searches. In France, two suspects were arrested. A total of seven house searches were carried out. In Portugal, four suspects were arrested and two house searches carried out.

Seizures include EUR 20 000 in cash, as well as two vehicles, electronic equipment, two hard drives, more than thirty mobile phones, SIM cards, bank cards, notebooks, diaries and handwritten accounts of prostitution activities.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • France: Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction of Nancy (JIRS); Law enforcement: BMRZ of Metz (Border Police)
  • Spain: Investigative Court number 3 in Algeciras and International Cooperation Section of PPO Cádiz; Group on CyberTHB, UCRIF Central, National Police
  • Portugal: UNCT (Unidade Nacional Contraterrorismo) from the Polícia Judiciária; Public Prosecutor from the DCIAP ( Central Department  of Penal Investigation) in Lisbon