On the 14th of May 2025, VANGUARD participated in the ASIT Simulation Exercise held on May 14-15, 2025, in Athens, Greece.
This two-day simulation exercise has been organised and hosted by the Center of Security Studies (KEMEA), as part of the EU-funded ASIT project (Adequate Support measures and Improved capacities in countering trafficking in human beings-THB, designed to provide hands-on training in advanced digital tools for operational support and online investigations related to trafficking in human beings. The event brought together nearly 40 practitioners, developers, and experts from across Europe to test, evaluate, and exchange knowledge on innovative technologies combating THB, stemming, apart from VANGUARD, from:
Falkor – a case-based investigation platform;
CESAGRAM Project EU – a solution targeting online grooming and exploitation;
ALUNA ISF & HEROES FCT Research Project – mobile and analytical tools for prevention and crime investigation.
VANGUARD, represented by its Coordinator, the M4D group of the MKLab of the Information Technologies Institute (ITI) at the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), presented the project main objectives, key planned outcomes, and main achievements thus far, with particular focus on its main goals towards the provision of improved intelligence picture, delivery of advanced and trustworthy suite of tools, realisation of innovative training activities, and raising awareness. A brief Q&A session allowed the audience to engage with the speakers and learn more about the project.